Dutch defense secretary says 'you can jailbreak an F-35 just like an iPhone,' and I'm here to tell the Dutch defense secretary that this is a great opportunity to run Doom on a fighter jet
PC Gamer
by Lincoln Carpenter February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Dutch defense secretary recently suggested that European militaries could potentially jailbreak the F-35 fighter jet's software, much like an iPhone, hinting at the possibility of implementing homegrown solutions if needed. This revelation comes amid concerns about Europe's reliance on American military technology and the potential risks of U.S.-controlled systems, such as a theoretical "kill switch." While the secretary's comments sparked skepticism from experts, they also raised an intriguing question: could gaming enthusiasts potentially run iconic titles like *Doom* on an F-35?
The F-35's software is part of a complex system that relies on global maintenance and mission planning frameworks, such as ALIS (Air Logistics Information System) and its successor ODIN. These systems are tightly integrated into the aircraft's operations, making it challenging for even technically savvy nations like the Netherlands to fully replicate or replace them independently. However, the secretary's statement highlights a potential vulnerability in the F-35's design, suggesting that while software modifications might be possible, they would require significant technical expertise and infrastructure.
For gaming enthusiasts, the idea of running *Doom* on an F-35 is both exciting and speculative. The jet's avionics include off-the-shelf hardware components, such as Motorola G4 PowerPC microprocessors, which are theoretically similar to those used in older consumer devices. While retrofitting a fighter jet for gaming purposes is unrealistic, the notion of reverse-engineering or customizing advanced military technology appeals to tech enthusiasts and gamers who enjoy pushing boundaries
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/19/2026