F-35 message from the US Congress

Discussions regarding Turkey's potential readmission to the F-35 fighter jet program have resurfaced in the US Congress. Some figures in Congress stated that Ankara's continued possession of the S-400 air defense systems purchased from Russia remains the primary obstacle to the program.

The assessments from members of Congress, speaking to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, followed statements by US President Donald Trump at the NATO Summit in Ankara suggesting that CAATSA sanctions against Turkey could be reconsidered under certain conditions. It had been reported that Trump gave positive signals regarding the sale of F-35s to Turkey during the summit.

Turkey was removed from the F-35 program by the US in 2019 due to its purchase of the Russian-made S-400 systems. Washington argues that the S-400s pose a risk to the stealth technology of the F-35s and are incompatible with NATO systems.

CONGRESS EMPHASIZES "THE LAW IS CLEAR"

Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Republican Senatör Jim Risch, said that Turkey's possession of the S-400 systems remains the main problem for defense cooperation between Washington and Ankara. Risch stated, "I hope that under President Trump's leadership, Turkey will eventually abandon the S-400s and put this issue behind us."

Democratic Senatör Chris Van Hollen, noting his long-standing opposition to the sale of F-35s to Turkey, argued that the S-400s create a direct risk to the security of the F-35s. Van Hollen said, "US law is clear. As long as Turkey possesses the S-400s, it is not possible for it to participate in the F-35 program. Congress has demonstrated a bipartisan consensus on this issue. Any attempt by the Trump administration to bypass this law is unacceptable."

It was also reported that efforts to oppose Turkey's readmission to the program are continuing in the House of Representatives. Eighteen Democratic members, led by Nevada Democratic Representative Dina Titus, requested in a letter sent to the House leadership that Turkey's return to the F-35 program be opposed.

A bipartisan group led by Republican Representative Mike Lawler is reportedly opposed not only to the sale of F-35s but also to the export of American engines that could be used in Turkey's KAAN fighter jet program. Lawler argued that restrictions should remain in place as long as Turkey continues to use the S-400 systems.

News Source: 12punto