The US State Department informed Congress in a letter that Turkey does not meet the conditions to receive F-35 fighter jets, citing Ankara's continued possession of the Russian S-400 air defense system and failure to comply with US law. Washington noted Turkey remains an important NATO ally but will respond to steps that contradict US interests. The letter also referenced Turkey's role in the Gaza ceasefire and US concerns about Hamas financing networks operating from Turkey.
The US State Department has formally ruled out Turkey's return to the F-35 program, informing Congress in a letter that Ankara does not meet the eligibility requirements due to its continued possession of the Russian S-400 air defense system and non-compliance with US law. The letter, reported Friday by an Arabic world news channel, marks a definitive rejection that contrasts with earlier signals from the Trump administration, which had indicated openness to reinstating Turkey in the program.
As The Zioneer has previously reported, the issue has been the subject of fierce debate in Washington. Vice President JD Vance said in June that a legal review was needed, while a bipartisan group of House lawmakers urged the administration to block any sale, citing risks to US technology and regional allies including Israel. The State Department's letter appears to side with the concerns raised by Congress and Israeli security officials.
Washington acknowledged Turkey's role as an important NATO ally and credited Ankara with helping to broker the Gaza ceasefire, but also raised ongoing concerns about Hamas financing networks operating from Turkish soil. The letter stated that the US will continue to cooperate with Turkey on shared interests but will respond to steps that contradict American interests.
The decision effectively closes the door on the F-35 sale that was initially halted in 2019 after Turkey purchased the S-400 system. The S-400 remains in Turkish service, and US law prohibits the transfer of F-35s to countries that operate Russian strategic systems.
3 developments
- DevelopingSegal: Turkey has not earned trust — F-35 sale to Erdogan endangers Israel's security
- DevelopingUS House lawmakers urge Rubio and Hegseth to block F-35 sale to Turkey over S-400 concerns
- DevelopingTurkish official confident S-400 issue will be resolved, paving way for F-35 return
- StrongKremlin Confirms Talks With Turkey on S-400 Future, Peskov Calls Issue 'Extremely Sensitive'
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