Jailbreaking the F-35 Fighter Jet

Countries around the world are becoming increasingly concerned about their dependencies on the US. If you’ve purchase US-made F-35 fighter jets, you are dependent on the US for software maintenance.

The Dutch Defense Secretary recently said that he could jailbreak the planes to accept third-party software.

Tags: DRM, national security policy, Netherlands

Posted on March 10, 2026 at 5:50 AM • 4 Comments

Michel • March 10, 2026 6:13 AM

It might even be true, who knows, but I suspect jailbreaking an F35 isn’t the main challenge here.

Getting parts for a jailbroken F35 is probably trickier, and I certainly wouldn’t want to be the one signing off on there being no backdoors in that thing if people find themselves opposing the US due to say another Greenland idiocy.

“Nice jet you have there, would be a shame if something were to happen to it.”

107cwk • March 10, 2026 6:38 AM

I think the main issue here is not whether the F35 (or any other weaponry) can be jailbroken. It’s the legal ramification tied to sanctions and trade wars. The Dutch certainly have the capabilities to do so, but if the consequences were added tariffs, or removed access to intelligence sources, or even sanctions, then the consequences would probably not be worth.

Winter • March 10, 2026 6:46 AM

It seems Israel did too. Not vouching for the truth or accuracy of the report:

Israel “Jailbroke” the F-35 (And the US Said Yes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37i6OigjVvU

The F-35 is the most advanced computer in the sky. But it has one major flaw: The pilot doesn’t own the software—Lockheed Martin does. Every F-35 in the world reports its data back to the US… except one.
This is the story of the F-35I “Adir.” It is the only stealth fighter in the world that has been “jailbroken” by its operators. From hacking the ALIS logistics system to installing unauthorized “Spice” bombs and secret fuel tanks designed to reach Iran, discover how Israel turned a $100 million American jet into their own secret weapon.
In this video, we uncover:
How Israel bypassed the “iPhone of Planes” lock-in.
The secret “Man-in-the-Middle” computer hack.
Why F-35 wings are actually built in Tel Aviv.
The “Adir” vs. Iran: Solving the range problem.

See also:
F-35I Adir: Israel’s Custom F-35 That No Other Nation Has
https://www.19fortyfive.com/2025/04/f-35i-adir-israels-custom-f-35-that-no-other-nation-has/

Robin Cliveson • March 10, 2026 7:48 AM

This is pure jawboning of the most risible kind. If I were a citizen of a country whose Defense Minister makes public statements like this, I would be quite concerned for my safety…