Can the F35 be remotely disabled by the US?
Posted by Rain_on_a_tin-roof@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 26 comments
If a nation with F35s uses them against an ally of the USA, could the systems be bricked by a remote update, or a back door in a regular software update? I understand the F35 avionics get a lot of updates.
Jayraym_@reddit
It sounds completely insane that someone would be dumb enough to spend hundreds of millions on hardware that can be rendered useless just like this. But maybe I'm naive.
Otherwise some people in those armies need to get fired... yesterday
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BullShinkles@reddit
Certain features could be disabled or changed, rendering it... 'less effective'.
Let's just say the F-35 can be 'nerfed', not disabled.
duckdodgers4@reddit
Well, it updates remotely...
Rain_on_a_tin-roof@reddit (OP)
Yes, I asked on another forum and the proper answer was just like himars, the F-35 can be remotely disabled by any one of either software contractors, avionics contractors, or the air force. All of those have remote access.
duckdodgers4@reddit
The funny thing is, all of them are based in the US. Check https://www.350sww.af.mil
Seems like the whole thing is getting buzzed now https://www.forbes.com/sites/petersuciu/2025/03/06/calls-increase-on-social-media-for-europe-to-cancel-f-35-orders/
Rain_on_a_tin-roof@reddit (OP)
Lockheed Martin is the primary software contractor.
mads0504@reddit
Wouldn't that make it unlikely for them to even consider turning them off?
NeighborhoodEmpty534@reddit
Yes.
Push a software update, that disables necessary functions
Use ODIN to set it on maintenace forever
embargo for spare
disable the communication and gps services
-> US is not in need for backdoor / kill switch
Aladinliverpool@reddit
So a state of the art $100m jet has an Android Operating system? Does each pilot need their own gmail account to download apps? I could imagine the ads loading in between switching to guns now.
boese-schildkroete@reddit
I worked for Lockheed Martin in Canada.
It's highly likely that the F35's onboard computers run on Linux, just like Android phones do.
I worked on drones and they were controllable with X-Box controllers.
It's because they're state of the art that the wheel isn't reinvented for each component.
ciuphus@reddit
It's the military. Everything is an acronym. https://www.jsf.mil/alis
j0892@reddit
Not today Russia!
Go_Loud762@reddit
Didn't you get the memo? Russia is now an ally. Rephrase your statement to "Not today, western imperialists!"
boese-schildkroete@reddit
Ally? You mean puppeteer?
Popular_Stick_8367@reddit
https://www.quora.com/Is-it-true-that-the-F-35-has-a-daily-changing-unlock-code-and-you-need-that-code-from-the-US-to-operate-the-aircraft-while-Israel-is-the-only-country-that-has-their-own-code
Bucephalus970@reddit
quora lol
moontear@reddit
reddit surely is better for 100% legit info...
F6Collections@reddit
Amazing resource if you can shit thru the shit.
Here’s an answer from that thread, which is really interesting, talking about the US system to track parts:
“Countries did in the early days of the F-35 program express concerns that ALIS gave the U.S. too much control of their F-35s. At a minimum it did seem to mean that the U.S. knew the state of their aircraft in real time. But could it send instructions to disable the aircraft? Doubtful. The more realistic concern is that with so little in local spare parts the U.S. could simply hold up the replacement part supply chain thus effectively degrading or grounding the aircraft for an extended period. As we all learned during COVID-19, supply chain disruptions in a just-in-time system have rapid and severe consequences. And are difficult to recover from. So, even if concerns about undue control by the U.S. are unfounded some of the concept behind ALIS is of great concern.”
H_Holy_Mack_H@reddit
More and more news are coming out speaking about that, it's like the old saying, where there's smoke there's fire, just like the suasticar Tesla can be remotely stoped, what or who will stop the US of A of having some similar system in the F35...In the defense of countries better safe than sorry, plenty of other planes in the market.
Historical_Low9824@reddit
You should ask on /r/Warthunder
Bucephalus970@reddit
It it could no one would tell you.
WLFGHST@reddit
Yeah this is one of those things where its just going to be left as "well, nobody knows 🤷♂️" until either they use it, or in a few decades and after they've been retired for 50 years lol
mckenzie_keith@reddit
The F35 can be remotely disabled kinetically when it returns to base for refueling or service.