There is no kill switch for the F-35, but the JPO’s statement points to the very real problems with the weapons system. In its own words, the jet “operates under well-established agreements,” its strength “lies in its global partnership,” and JPO “[remains] committed to providing all users with the full functionality and support they require.” In other words, the F-35 doesn’t fly unless JPO helps you, but don’t worry because it’s committed to helping.
The F-35 may not have a “kill switch” in the traditional sense, but the countries who bought it are locked into an irrevocable pact with Lockheed Martin and America. ALIS/ ODIN might not be able to turn off the F-35 remotely, but losing access to it can make it impossible to fly.
Only one country has escaped the F-35 software and logistics trap while still being able to fly the jet: Israel. The IDF’s contract for the jet allows it to operate its own software systems without ALIS/ ODIN and conduct its own maintenance.
I don’t understand how Israel gets to be so special. I also don’t get how any other nation would accept anything less, especially once the deal with Israel proved it (politically) can be done. Technical feasibility shouldn’t even be in question.
Well, I guess it’s nice that militaries get to “own nothing and be happy” too.
It’s actually a very telling carve-out, and I have no idea what it’s doing so far down in the article. It should have been front and center.
The only two logical conclusions I can see are:
Israel is so sharp with their negotiation that they spotted and fought for something that it just didn’t occur to anyone else would be something worth worrying about (possible, I guess.)
We already know that Israel is fucked without us, F-35s or no, so there’s no particular reason we would need to separately ensure that their F-35s are fucked without us.
I very much suspect that it’s the second one. Which indicates that the lock-in was an intentional decision, and one that actually would make quite a bit of sense on reflection.
There is a certain group of people in the US that continue to give special treatment to Israel because they believe that helping Israel “restore” itself will more quickly bring the rapture and Armageddon. Interestingly enough this belief tends to include the idea that Jews and Muslims won’t survive the ensuing necessary war.
Israel has a very strong lobby here because the US is their only source of strength. Spain or France don’t have that kind of lobby because they aren’t entirely dependent on the US for survival.
Because the assumption is that if Canada ever goes against US wishes, it means Canada is an enemy, and the kill switch goes off, but if Israel ever goes against US wishes, it means some lefty pinko commie got into office, and we must protect Israel’s role in the rapidly approaching rapture!
Ugh. This is the explanation I buy. It’s the only one more powerful than the constant drive for economic dominance demanding absolute control of everything.
I don’t understand how Israel gets to be so special. I also don’t get how any other nation would accept anything less, especially once the deal with Israel proved it (politically) can be done. Technical feasibility shouldn’t even be in question.
Well, I guess it’s nice that militaries get to “own nothing and be happy” too.
It’s actually a very telling carve-out, and I have no idea what it’s doing so far down in the article. It should have been front and center.
The only two logical conclusions I can see are:
I very much suspect that it’s the second one. Which indicates that the lock-in was an intentional decision, and one that actually would make quite a bit of sense on reflection.
There is a certain group of people in the US that continue to give special treatment to Israel because they believe that helping Israel “restore” itself will more quickly bring the rapture and Armageddon. Interestingly enough this belief tends to include the idea that Jews and Muslims won’t survive the ensuing necessary war.
Israel has a very strong lobby here because the US is their only source of strength. Spain or France don’t have that kind of lobby because they aren’t entirely dependent on the US for survival.
Plus it has the backing of the Evangelicals, for their own apocalyptic reasons
Very strong lobby and social media messaging operations.
Because the assumption is that if Canada ever goes against US wishes, it means Canada is an enemy, and the kill switch goes off, but if Israel ever goes against US wishes, it means some lefty pinko commie got into office, and we must protect Israel’s role in the rapidly approaching rapture!
Ugh. This is the explanation I buy. It’s the only one more powerful than the constant drive for economic dominance demanding absolute control of everything.