BAKU. Azerbaijan, August 28. Turkey is eager to rejoin the F-35 supply program after being excluded by the US due to the purchase of Russian S-400s. Ankara has proposed not using the S-400 systems in exchange for obtaining new F-35 fighter jets, as reported by Trend.
Acquiring the F-35 fighter jets is crucial for Turkey to maintain an edge over Greek aviation.
During negotiations to re-enter the F-35 supply program, Turkey suggested to the US that they would keep the S-400 air defense systems from Russia inactive: “Let’s store them away and you can inspect them.” The S-400 systems, bought for $2.5 billion, are currently still in storage in Turkey.
A US embassy official in Ankara acknowledged the discussion, stating, “The decision now rests with Turkey, and they are fully aware of the conditions for rejoining the F-35 program.”