Danish air force modernizes amidst U.S. Greenland tensions
Denmark is one of several European countries modernizing its air force by purchasing American fifth-generation aircraft. Concerns about the future of Danish F-35s have grown following President Donald Trump's statements regarding the U.S. interest in annexing Greenland. This raises the question: Can Danish F-35s be remotely disabled?
The credibility of the United States as an ally and a manufacturer of numerous weapons systems is being scrutinized in Europe due to the decisions and declarations made by Donald Trump.
Denmark, among others, has valid reasons for concern. The President of the United States has openly and repeatedly expressed a desire to annex part of Danish territory.
Meanwhile, Denmark is modernizing its air force, replacing its aging F-16s (which are being transferred to Ukraine) with F-35s. This has led to questions about whether the United States could potentially remotely ground Danish aircraft.
Danish F-35s without a hidden switch
Doubts on this issue were addressed by Rasmus Jarlov, the chairman of the parliamentary defense committee. While he expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to purchase American aircraft, he confirmed that no solution has been found that would allow Americans to remotely disable aircraft operated by Denmark.
Rasmus Jarlov also emphasized that, as detailed in discussions on weapon codes, no secret, remote switch is necessary to immobilize aircraft. A similar effect can be achieved over time by disrupting the logistics chain and halting the supply of operational materials and spare parts.
Aircraft without U.S. support
This is a situation that Iran has encountered, among others. After the Islamic revolution, the country was left with a significant number of American F-4s, F-5s, and F-14s, along with other American military equipment.
To maintain the operational readiness of at least some aircraft, "cannibalization" became necessary—designating some aircraft as parts donors and using non-original replacements, which impacts safety, among other factors.
