US gives “S-400 ultimatum” to Turkey for return to F-35 program

US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland reopened negotiations for the F-35s during her visit to Ankara following Sweden’s NATO approval, stating: “If we can resolve the S-400 issue, the US would be pleased to welcome Turkey back into the F-35 family.”

Following Turkey’s approval of Sweden’s NATO membership to “revive relations,” US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland reiterated the condition of “abandoning the Russian-made S-400 air defense systems” regarding the F-35 tension. Nuland also added that if Turkey were to abandon the S-400s, the US could lift the sanctions imposed on Ankara under the “Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act” (CAATSA).

Speaking to CNN Nuland said the following regarding Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 program, where it had the status of a “partner producer”: “We were negotiating the sale of the Patriot and while these negotiations were ongoing, Turkey went in another direction… Frankly, if we can resolve the S-400 issue, which we want to do, the US would be pleased to welcome Turkey back into the F-35 family. But first, we need to resolve this other issue and in doing so, ensure that Turkey has a strong air defense.”