However it doesn't matter, there is a publicly acknowledged issue that works out to pretty much the same - if the US attacks a country with F-35s those planes are functionally worthless very quickly

The ALIS/ODIN system means the US can unilaterally change what is friendly/foe, what is recognised or ignored etc, and if the regular communications for updates aren't maintained the plane goes into the equivalent of your car's "limp home" mode.

TL;DR a hostile US can in advance of an attack (for example) tell your F-35s that all Gripens are hostile, and that X set of "friendly" beacons are now hostile and there's not a damn thing you can do other than not fly the plane. No one other than Israel got an over-ride - because they refused to take the software.

https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/the-f-35-probably-doesnt-have-a-physical-kill-switch-but-it-doesnt-need-one/

Edit to add "(for example)" as it was unclear that that was just an example of the many things they could do

[–] peoplebeproblems@midwest.social 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

It would be quite hilarious if it turned out every single operator took that into consideration and secretly deployed countermeasures to nullify that tactic.

Imagine a wing showing up prepared for no resistance and they run straight into it.

[–] thanksforallthefish@literature.cafe 5 points 4 days ago

It would I imagine look a little like the first 48hours of the Russian attack on Kyiv where the Russians turned up with a brass band in dress uniforms (unarmed unless you count trumpets and drumsticks).

Would love to see it