Secretary of State Marco Rubio has unequivocally stated that Turkey will not be able to acquire the F-35 Lightning II, despite some earlier uncertainties from the administration. This clear stance emerged during his recent testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
### Current U.S. Position on Turkey and the F-35
Rubio emphasized to Congress that due to existing U.S. laws, Turkey’s potential return to the F-35 program is off the table. This assertion underscores the serious implications of Turkey’s procurement of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, which led to its expulsion from the F-35 program back in 2019 during President Trump’s administration.
The U.S. government has consistently maintained that the integration of the S-400 with NATO systems poses a significant security risk. American officials are particularly wary of the S-400’s capability to detect F-35 stealth technology, which has prompted them to insist that Turkey either return, sell, or destroy the S-400 systems before being considered for the F-35 program again. Other NATO countries also echo this sentiment, making Turkey’s situation even more precarious.
### Turkey’s Persistent Efforts
Despite the firm U.S. position, Turkey remains hopeful. Following a White House meeting last year between Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey expressed renewed optimism about re-entering the F-35 program. For years, Ankara has sought avenues to navigate back into the fifth-generation fighter jet project, fundamentally wishing to strengthen its military capabilities.
Interestingly, Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, hinted at a potential resolution regarding sanctions imposed on Turkey surrounding the S-400 acquisition. He suggested that, from Trump’s perspective, Turkey’s re-entry into the F-35 program could occur soon. Barrack characterized the potential inclusion as a means of bolstering NATO unity, further complicating U.S. foreign policy.
### Legal Obstacles Ahead
However, Rubio remains firm that Turkey’s participation in the F-35 program isn’t just a matter of political negotiations; it is a legal issue, rooted in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). These laws explicitly prevent Turkey from making any purchases related to the F-35 as long as it retains the S-400 system.
When pressed about the inconsistency between Barrack’s comments and U.S. law, Rubio underscored the reality that Turkey must choose: the F-35 or the S-400. The Turkish government seems to prefer the F-35, yet its inability to completely discard the S-400 complicates matters further. Although the S-400 systems have remained inactive, American officials have not softened their stance.
### Future Scenarios for Turkey
Should Turkey ultimately decide to part with its S-400 systems, multiple scenarios could pave the way for its return to the F-35 program. This could involve returning the unused S-400s back to Russia, selling the systems to a third-party nation, or even transferring them to the U.S. or Ukraine, which could significantly alter international dynamics.
Despite various possibilities, Russia has shown a lukewarm response to these options, recognizing the geopolitical leverage it holds. Turkey is in a unique position, weighing its desire for advanced military capabilities against its relationship with major global powers.
In conclusion, while Turkey continues to seek a way back into the F-35 program, significant legal and diplomatic hurdles remain. The U.S. government has made its stance abundantly clear, and the current geopolitical landscape leaves Turkey with tough choices ahead.