Middle Israel: No one needs a tyrannical Turkey with F-35 fighter jets - opinion

Turkey's ambition to acquire the advanced American-made F-35 fighter jet has become a critical international concern, drawing in not only Ankara and Washington but also Athens, Jerusalem, the Arab world, and various Western nations. These parties have substantial reasons to view the deal as a potential threat, with one overriding concern being the implications for regional stability and alliances.

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The bomber will always get through.

The Turkish military is recognized as one of the world's largest and most capable, boasting significant numbers of battle tanks, fighter jets, combat vessels, and well-trained troops. Historically, Turkey was a founding member of NATO and a crucial buffer against Soviet influence. However, the current geopolitical landscape has shifted. Despite the end of the Cold War, Russia remains a powerful force, occupying parts of Ukraine and casting a shadow over Europe.

Turkey's current foreign policy has raised alarms, particularly its refusal to join U.S.-led sanctions against Russia and its $2.5 billion deal to purchase Russia's S-400 air-defense system. Owning these Russian missiles while operating U.S. F-35s could potentially allow Russia to gain insights into the performance of American aircraft, posing a security risk to the U.S. and its allies.

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Greece will not be pleased if the United States decides to sell the F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.

The consequences of supplying F-35s to Turkey are particularly acute for Greece, Turkey's historic adversary. Greece has expressed strong opposition, citing Turkey's 1974 actions in Cyprus and its continued occupation of the northern part of the island. While NATO has traditionally managed military tensions between these two member states, U.S. President Donald Trump's questioning of NATO's fundamental purpose has added another layer of complexity. The article suggests Trump may not fully grasp the significance of countries like Turkey and Greece to each other and to the U.S., focusing instead on his relationship with Turkish President Erdogan.

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