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Turkey does not meet legal requirements to receive F-35, State Department says - exclusive

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The US State Department informed Congress that Turkey has not met the legal requirements to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program.
  • Turkey must resolve its acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system, provide assurances against future purchases, and meet other statutory conditions.
  • The US acknowledges Turkey's diplomatic support in various regional conflicts while maintaining accountability for actions undermining US interests.

Turkey remains ineligible to participate in the F-35 fighter jet program, according to a US State Department letter to Congress. The letter, obtained by The Jerusalem Post, reiterates that Washington's policy is unchanged and aligns with sanctions laws like CAATSA.

no F-35 aircraft can be transferred to Turkey until Ankara fully complies with US law.

— US State DepartmentExplaining the conditions for Turkey's potential return to the F-35 program.

No F-35 aircraft can be transferred to Turkey until Ankara fully complies with US law. This includes permanently relinquishing the Russian S-400 air defense system, assuring the US it will not acquire it again, and fulfilling all remaining certification requirements. "Turkey has not yet met these conditions," the State Department stated, emphasizing that any resolution must be "transparent, lawful, and consistent with our national security interests."

Turkey has not yet met these conditions.

— US State DepartmentStating Turkey's current non-compliance with US legal requirements.

The US acknowledges Turkey's diplomatic contributions, including its support in the Russia-Ukraine and Azerbaijan-Armenia conflicts, and its role in advancing a Gaza peace plan. However, the State Department also stressed that while engaging on mutual interests, Washington will hold Turkey accountable for actions that harm US interests.

transparent, lawful, and consistent with our national security interests.

— US State DepartmentDescribing the necessary criteria for resolving the S-400 issue.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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