Rubio: Law keeps Turkey out of F-35 program

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that American legislation mandates Turkey's exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program. During a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Rubio responded to a question from Democratic Representative Dina Titus regarding statements by U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack about Turkey's potential return.

Rubio acknowledged that Turkey still possesses the Russian S-400 system. He explained that, given this fact, U.S. law prohibits the government from considering Turkey's reintegration. "As you know, this is governed by law. We do not have that option at this time because it is governed by legislative provisions, both from the provisions included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and other U.S. legislative provisions (CAATSA sanctions)," Rubio stated.

The U.S. official's remarks underscore the ongoing impact of Turkey's acquisition of Russian military hardware on its participation in NATO-aligned defense programs. The legislative framework firmly blocks any reconsideration of Turkey's F-35 status as long as the S-400 remains in its inventory.

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As you know, this is governed by law. We do not have that option at this time because it is governed by legislative provisions, both from the provisions included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and other U.S. legislative provisions (CAATSA sanctions).