US: Turkey's S-400 purchase blocks F-35 program return

The United States maintains that Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems remains a significant obstacle to its participation in the F-35 fighter jet program. This stance was reiterated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a presentation to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Democrat Representative Dina Titus raised the issue, referencing statements from U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack suggesting Turkey's potential readmission. Titus argued that such a move would contradict existing U.S. laws and long-standing American policy. She directly asked Rubio whether Turkey could obtain F-15 or F-35 aircraft.

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They cannot acquire them because they purchased the S-400 from the Russians.

Rubio firmly responded, "They cannot acquire them because they purchased the S-400 from the Russians." He confirmed that Turkey's current possession of the S-400 systems places it under mandatory sanctions. Titus highlighted that Turkey still possesses these systems, a fact Rubio acknowledged.

Furthermore, Rubio emphasized that the executive branch cannot unilaterally alter Turkey's status in the F-35 program. He explained that the matter is governed by legislation, specifically citing the National Defense Authorization Act and other relevant laws. "We do not have that option at this time," Rubio stated, underscoring that legal frameworks currently preclude Turkey's return to the program.

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We do not have that option at this time.