Hulusi Akar, chairman of the Turkish Parliament's National Defense Committee, said he is confident that a resolution to the S-400 air defense system dispute will allow Turkey to rejoin the F-35 stealth fighter program. The program was suspended after Turkey's acquisition of the Russian S-400 systems.
Hulusi Akar, chairman of the Turkish Parliament's National Defense Committee, expressed confidence on Saturday that a resolution to the S-400 air defense system dispute will clear the way for Turkey's return to the F-35 stealth fighter program. According to reports, Akar said the 'S-400 issue will be resolved, allowing Türkiye to return to the F-35 program.' Turkey was suspended from the F-35 program in 2019 after acquiring the Russian S-400 systems, which Washington argued posed a risk to the stealth fighter's security and could allow Russian intelligence to access sensitive technology. As The Zioneer has reported, the Trump administration has been exploring a return of Turkey to the program, including the possibility of removing CAATSA sanctions, while bipartisan opposition in Congress and Israeli officials have warned against the sale. The issue remains sensitive, with Russia also involved in discussions on the potential transfer of the S-400 systems to a third country. Akar's statement adds to the ongoing debate, though no concrete timeline or resolution has been confirmed.
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