Critical F-35 Statement from the US on Turkey

Following remarks by Turkey’s Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, stating that the US no longer objects to Turkey’s possession of Russian-made S-400 missiles and that they could provide F-35 fighter jets, the US made a crucial statement on the matter.

While Güler mentioned that the US had no objections to Turkey’s S-400 missiles and could provide F-35 jets, the US Department of State clarified that there was no change in policy. They emphasized that the conditions for Turkey’s F-35 acquisition remain unchanged and that maintaining NATO interoperability is a critical priority.

Turkey was removed from the F-35 program after purchasing the S-400 system, as US officials cited security risks posed by the S-400 to the F-35s. The US has repeatedly argued that the S-400 system undermines NATO security and has urged Turkey not to retain it.