German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius apparently has doubts about the reliability of US weapons systems.
According to a report, the SPD politician calls «high-ranking generals» to an emergency meeting. The focus is primarily on the F-35 fighter jets, according to Die Welt.
As Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on Thursday, the discussion will focus on security issues surrounding weapon systems that the Bundeswehr has already used or ordered. Meanwhile, representatives from the CDU/CSU and SPD advocated arms purchases in Europe rather than the US.
A spokesperson for the ministry declined to comment on internal discussions when asked by the newspaper. But he said the following: «The F-35 cannot simply be switched off externally.»
After US President Donald Trump cast doubt on transatlantic relations, several European countries have begun to review their reliance on American-made weapons.
Germany has ordered 35 F-35s, but fears that the US could potentially take control of the aircraft. Experts have warned of risks related to access to spare parts, and some are concerned that an “off switch” could be built in that would allow the US to effectively decommission the aircraft.
It should be noted, however, that the F-35 is a multi-national project involving eight nations. Several key parts are manufactured exclusively outside the US.
Even without such an off switch, the aircraft could become a vulnerable point, political scientist Carlo Masala of the German Defence University in Munich told Süddeutsche Zeitung. Masdala believes that Trump has changed sides and is now allied with Russia.
– The problem with the F-35 is more about data transfer than about spare parts. If the data transfer is not available, the aeroplanes lose much of their functionality, says Masala.
Director Oliver Dörre of defence electronics company Hensoldt said this week that technological cooperation with the US is crucial, pointing out that the F-35 is currently the only aircraft stationed in Germany that can be fitted with US nuclear warheads.
