US hints at possibility of Türkiye’s return to F-35 joint strike fighter program

U.S. says ‘Türkiye’s restoration of movement into the F-35 program is possible’ if the ongoing S-400 row is resolved

The United Statesleft the door open for Türkiye to return to the F-35 joint strike fighter program, saying that there’s a possibility for such development if the S-400 row was resolved.

“There’s no change to our view that the F-35 program for Türkiye is incompatible with their use of the (Russian) S-300 and S-400 missiles. So we’re still having those discussions, and should Türkiye be able to resolve our concerns about that, then there could be a restoration of movement into the F-35 program,” National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters at the White House.

“That’s where we are,” he added.

The U.S. suspended Türkiye from the F-35 fighter jet program in 2019 after objecting to its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, claiming Moscow’s system would endanger the fighter jets and is inoperable with NATO systems.

Ankara has said repeatedly that there is no conflict between the two and proposed a commission to study the issue.

Türkiye also said it fulfilled its obligations on the F-35s and that its suspension was unwarranted.

Kirby’s comments mirror those made by Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, who said Monday while visiting Türkiye that Washington would “welcome Türkiye back into the F-35 family” if the ongoing row resolves.

Source: AA