Comparing F-16 where some versions run by analogue flight systems versus F-35 where the flight systems altogether with combat systems made for (and bound to) the network centric warfrare is not logical.
There is no red button but US has clearly admitted that processing power of F-35 can be limited remotely (or per customer) thus altering user experience, radar capabilities, ESM/ECM/EA capabilities. It doesn't necessarily mean they can disable the aircraft up in the air or remotely pilot it, but they can safely render the aircraft incapable or integrating munitions or firing them. You may succesfully install the missiles by mechanical ways, but the combat systems may not update or record it as ready to use.
Tesla may update range of the cars with a simple tweak. Why wouldn't it be possible with a fighter jet?
In the end it is very likely that US would limit use of F-35B if the conditions are met.
Stating this as a pro F-35 A/B person. We shall get those just to get accustomed with 5th gen culture, develop and exercise the doctrines, blend in - for compatibility - with NATO just in case some countries in the east may go rogue and also to gain naval aviation experience with STOVL until the local substitutes arrive. However, we shouldn't build out strategies on top of having F-35, to counter Greeks or other possible adversaries with on-par or up-par air force assets.
I vividly remember one instance. Year was 2012 and first of our then state of the art PO4 birds were getting delivered. It was the same talk.
With a bird this relying on network centric concepts, possibility of a third party interfering with it will always be a reality. Yet, it's a deep strike fighter that enters adversary's airspace with zero EM noise. As we never became an owner of the platform, we will not be able to learn the ways to circumvent it, as we did with F-16's mission computer in the past. Systems are made to be broken. Can't break what you don't have.
I never wanted 100 F-35s. A sq worth for Anadolu and 2 squadrons for strike roles, say 50 total A/Bs would be more than necessary. Sad.
-
As for Anadolu, maybe, shortening our dreams for it for the time being is way to go. 4-8 embedded Cougars, 2-4 Seahawks, 4-6 Whiskey Cobras and 6-8 TB3s would make a satisfactory multirole loadout. That leaves a lot out, yes, but as an LHD, it does the job. We need T925 and its naval variant ASAP.
