On Thursday, March 21, Reuters reported, citing several officials in the U.S. government, that preparations for the delivery of F-35 fighters to Turkey may be halted. Washington has repeatedly stated that Ankara cannot simultaneously possess advanced U.S. F-35 aircraft and the Russian S-400 missile defense system. The U.S. and Turkey have had disagreements in recent months over various issues, including the simultaneous purchase of F-35 fighters and the S-400 missile system. The U.S. believes that the Russian S-400 missile defense system jeopardizes the security of the F-35 fighters. Katie Wilbarger, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Security, explained the reason for the U.S. opposition to Reuters, saying, 'The S-400 is a computer. The F-35 is also a computer. You do not give your computer to your enemy: that is exactly what we intend to do.' While no definitive decision has been made in this regard, U.S. officials have confirmed that Washington intends to halt preparations for the delivery of F-35 fighters to Turkey. Ms. Wilbarger added, 'There are many things that can be stopped to send a message to Turkish officials that we are serious about our decision.' Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated two weeks ago in response to U.S. threats regarding this issue that his country does not intend to withdraw from the contract to purchase advanced air defense systems from Russia. In mid-March, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said, 'We have clearly warned Turkey that the potential acquisition of the S-400 will result in a reassessment of Turkey's participation in the F-35 program, and we will consider the risks of military transfers to Turkey in the future.' On the same day, General Scaparrotti, commander of U.S. European Command, stated in a meeting with the Senate Armed Services Committee that Turkey's purchase of the Russian system 'represents a problem for all of our aircraft, but specifically for the F-35.' The Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet is one of the most advanced stealth multirole fighters in the world, currently in the final stages of development. The U.S. is the main investor in the development of this aircraft. Turkey and some other NATO members are collaborating in its development and purchase. The S-400 ground-to-air defense system is a new and advanced generation of Russian air defense systems. The agreement to purchase this system between Turkey and Russia was finalized in January of last year. Since then, the U.S. has repeatedly warned about the acquisition of this system.
The U.S. May Refuse to Deliver F-35 Fighters to Turkey
The U.S. is considering halting the delivery of F-35 fighters to Turkey due to Ankara's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, which the U.S. believes compromises the security of the F-35. Turkish President Erdogan has stated that Turkey will not back out of the S-400 deal, escalating tensions between the two nations.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The U.S. is considering halting the delivery of F-35 fighters to Turkey due to Ankara's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, which the U.S. believes compromises the security of the F-35. Turkey's President Erdogan has stated that Turkey will not back out of the S-400 deal, escalating tensions between the two nations.
- The U.S. has warned Turkey that acquiring the S-400 will affect its participation in the F-35 program.
- Turkey finalized its agreement to purchase the S-400 from Russia in January of the previous year.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Turkey's decision to purchase the S-400 from Russia has been a contentious issue, as it challenges NATO's defense protocols and raises concerns about security vulnerabilities.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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