After Sweden’s NATO membership was approved by Turkey, the USA paved the way for the sale of F-16s to Turkey. US Department of Defense (Pentagon) Spokesperson Patrick Ryder answered journalists’ questions on the subject. To a journalist who asked about the talks regarding Turkey’s purchase of F-35s, Ryder stated that such an issue was not on the table yet.
ANNOUNCED THE CONDITIONS FOR THE START OF F-35 TALKS
Ryder, in response to the question about the F-35 talks between Turkey and the USA, asked in the press release, said, “Right now, with Turkey using the S-400, this is not something that is currently on the table.” Earlier this week, US Assistant Secretary of State for Policy Affairs Victoria Nuland said the US would be open to discussing providing F-35 aircraft to Turkey if Ankara could resolve the S-400 issue.
The USA restricted the supply of F-35 aircraft after Turkey signed a contract with Russia for S-400 systems instead of American Patriot missile air defense systems.
Acting US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said yesterday that Turkey could be included in the F-35 program. Nuland stated that the United States is ready to take Turkey back into the F-35 fighter jet program if the issue of Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system is resolved.
