Fighter Jet Disaster: Denmark Regrets Purchase of F-35 Jets

Merkur Fighter Jet Disaster: Denmark Regrets Purchase of F-35 Jets Max Nebel • 14 hrs. • 3 mins read Fear of Deactivation Denmark's former Minister of Economic Affairs warns: The purchase of F-35 jets carries risks. A reassessment of cooperation with the US is necessary. Copenhagen – Denmark is concerned about its own and international defense policy with regard to the state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jet. Former Danish Minister of Economic Affairs Rasmus Jarlov, who once played a key role in the decision to purchase the jets, recently expressed strong criticism of the purchase of the American jets. Concern of "Kill Switch": Denmark Regrets Purchase of F-35 Jets "As one of the decision-makers behind the purchase of the F-35, I regret this," Jarlov wrote on his X-channel, emphasizing his concern about the potential risks associated with this dependence on the US. A key reason for Jarlov's remorse is the possibility that the US could use its control over the jets and the supply of spare parts to influence Denmark's defense policy. This fear stems from the assumption that Washington could stop supplying critical spare parts, thereby reducing the aircraft's operational capability. Jarlov's concerns were further fueled by news that the US had recently denied rumors of a so-called "kill switch," a type of remotely operated shutdown mechanism. He remains skeptical: "I don't know if the F-35s have a 'kill switch.' Of course, we can't take your word for it." F-35 fighter jets from the US a "security risk" for Danish politician Jarlov Jarlov further stated via social media: "They want to strengthen Russia and weaken Europe, demonstrating that they are willing to inflict enormous damage on peaceful and loyal allies like Canada simply because they insist on their existence as a country. I can easily imagine a situation in which the US demands Greenland from Denmark and threatens to deactivate our weapons and have Russia attack us if we refuse." Accordingly, the purchase of American weapons is "a security risk we cannot take." The former Minister of Economic Affairs warns: "We will be investing enormously in air defenses, fighter jets, artillery, and other weapons in the coming years and must avoid American weapons whenever possible. I encourage our allies and friends to do the same." Danish politician Jarlov regrets the purchase of the F-35 jets. Dependence on US weapons could put Denmark in a difficult position. US Rapprochement with Russia: Denmark and Other Countries Rethink Cooperation Danish skepticism reflects a greater uncertainty caused by US foreign policy decisions under President Trump. The US has increasingly proven itself an unreliable ally in the eyes of some observers due to attempts to approach Russia in the context of the Ukraine war and various tensions with NATO partners. This geopolitical climate has led Denmark and other European countries to begin rethinking defense cooperation and considering new paths to self-sufficiency. F-35 Concerns in Denmark: Portugal and Canada Also Struggle with Trump's US In this context, Denmark is considering relying more on European defense equipment in the coming years to reduce its dependence on American weapons. The idea that European defense strategies could be developed independently of the US is also gaining support in other countries. Portugal, for example, reports the portal Raily News, is considering alternatives such as the Swedish Gripen jets after US policy under Trump cast doubt on the future reliability of the F-35. Canada has also recently taken steps to reorient its defense policy and is considering alternatives to the F-35 jets, while simultaneously investing in an early warning radar system from Australia, the Associated Press reported. The developments in these countries underscore the drive for a stronger European or transatlantic security architecture that could potentially position itself more independently of the Americ