US Statement on Türkiye’s Potential Return to F-35 Programme
Washington, The Gulf Observer: In a recent press briefing at the White House, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby conveyed that the United States is open to the possibility of Türkiye rejoining the F-35 joint strike fighter programme, contingent upon the resolution of an ongoing dispute.
Kirby addressed reporters, stating, “There’s no change to our view that the F-35 programme for Türkiye is incompatible with their use of the [Russian] S-300 and S-400 missiles.” He emphasized that discussions are still underway, and the prospect of Türkiye’s return to the F-35 programme hinges on the satisfactory resolution of concerns related to the Russian missile systems.
“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 programme,” Kirby remarked. “That’s where we are.”
The United States suspended Türkiye from the F-35 fighter jet programme in 2019 following objections to its acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defence system. The U.S. maintained that the Russian system posed a threat to the F-35s and was incompatible with NATO systems.
Türkiye, in response, has consistently asserted that there is no conflict between the F-35 programme and the S-400 acquisition. Ankara has proposed the establishment of a commission to thoroughly examine and address the concerns raised by the U.S.
Kirby’s statements align with those of Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, who, during her recent visit to Türkiye, expressed Washington’s willingness to “welcome Türkiye back into the F-35 family” upon resolution of the S-400 dispute.
Türkiye, a participant in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Programme since 2007, turned to procure the S-400 missile defence systems from Russia after negotiations for the acquisition of American Patriot defence systems broke down under the Obama administration.
The potential return of Türkiye to the F-35 programme remains contingent upon diplomatic resolutions and ongoing discussions between the two nations.
