Q&A ยท 1:27:53-1:30:10

F-35 and S-400 information-security concerns

The discussion examines information-security concerns about operating F-35s alongside Russian-made S-400 air-defence systems.

Question

Is there any reason Turkey should not receive the F-35?

Short answer

The concern is possible exposure of sensitive F-35 data through the operation or integration of the S-400.

Notes

The exchange focuses on the information needed to coordinate aircraft with air-defence systems. Clarke argues that integrating the S-400 with F-35 operations could expose sensitive identification and communications data to Russian programmers. The comparison with Greek use of Russian-built hovercraft distinguishes transport equipment from an air-defence system that has to identify aircraft. The concern therefore depends on the equipment's role and the information it would need to share.