Turkey's F-35 Jets May Return Amid New US Deal Proposal
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
A new proposal could allow Turkey to acquire six stored F-35 fighter jets by selling its Russian S-400 air defense systems. The plan faces opposition from Israel and potential challenges in the U.S. Congress. If successful, the deal would also involve lifting U.S. sanctions on Turkey's defense industries.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Turkey may regain six F-35 jets by selling Russian S-400 systems, a proposal facing Israeli and congressional opposition.
- The U.S. removed Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019 after Ankara purchased Russian S-400 air defense systems.
- A phased plan involves Turkey selling the S-400s, followed by the U.S. releasing stored F-35s and lifting sanctions.
- Israel opposes the S-400 systems being transferred to another Middle Eastern country.
- Turkey is also pursuing other aerial capabilities, including Eurofighter Typhoons and its domestic KAAN fighter jet.
A new proposal offers Turkey a chance to regain six F-35 fighter jets, currently held in storage, by agreeing to transfer its Russian-made S-400 air defense systems and potentially lifting U.S. sanctions. This opportunity arises from a limited window with the Trump administration, but faces significant hurdles, including Israeli opposition and potential complications from the U.S. Congress.
The dispute began in 2017 when Turkey decided to purchase the S-400 systems from Russia, leading to U.S. warnings about the impact on bilateral defense cooperation. Despite these warnings, the systems were delivered in 2019. In response, the U.S. removed Turkey from the F-35 program in July 2019 and imposed sanctions on Turkish defense industries in December 2020 under the CAATSA law.
The proposed phased plan suggests Turkey would first sell the S-400 systems to Russia or a third country like the UAE or Qatar, with Moscow's approval. Upon removal of the S-400s from Turkish territory, the U.S. would release the six stored F-35s and resume training for Turkish personnel. Subsequently, U.S. sanctions would be lifted, and the jets would be transferred to Ankara, allowing Turkey to decide on further purchases.
A major obstacle is Israel's objection to the S-400 systems being transferred to another Middle Eastern nation. While Turkey is pursuing alternative aerial capabilities, including ordering Eurofighter Typhoons and developing its own KAAN fighter jet, its aerospace industry remains reliant on U.S. technology, particularly engines.
Despite years of tension, both Washington and Ankara have shared strategic interests. For the U.S., Turkey remains a vital NATO ally, and its defense industries offer potential for deeper cooperation in aviation, shipbuilding, and drone technology.
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