US: S-400 is a threat to the F-35 program and NATO allies
Washington continues to pressure Türkiye to buy the US-made Patriot missile defense system instead of the Russian system.
The Pentagon has flatly rejected Türkiye's proposal to set up a bilateral working group to ensure US military secrets are not leaked when Ankara deploys Russia's S-400 air defense system.
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| The US flatly rejected Türkiye on the S-400 deal. Photo: Reuters, RIA |
In an effort to salvage relations with Washington amid disagreements between the US and Türkiye over Ankara's purchase of advanced weapons systems from Russia, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on April 3 proposed a bilateral mechanism between the two countries to ensure that the S-400 "will not be a threat to F-35 aircraft and NATO systems."
Mr. Cavusoglu also reiterated the above request on April 4 before the Pentagon rejected the proposal, while affirming that Washington opposes the parallel operation of US and Russian weapons systems.
"A working group at this stage is not necessary and is not the solution the United States wants to move towards. We want to make clear to Türkiye at every level that the S-400 is a threat to the F-35 program and our NATO allies," said Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon.
The Pentagon suspended the transfer of F-35 technology to Türkiye earlier this week until Ankara cancels plans to receive the S-400 system from Russia. The move comes after US Vice President Mike Pence threatened to remove Ankara from the F-35 program unless it behaves like a “good NATO ally” and complies with Washington’s conditions.
Türkiye joined the program in 2002 and over the years has invested more than $1.25 billion in the development and production of various components of the F-35.
Washington continues to pressure Türkiye to buy the US-made Patriot missile defense system instead of the Russian system.
"The problem with the S-400 is a very serious problem. If they accept the S-400, it will definitely affect the F-35," Pentagon spokesman Charlie Summers told reporters on April 4.
Türkiye "can accept the price" of the Patriot and is open to a decision on the F-35 program, but it will not reconsider the purchase of the S-400 system, Cavusoglu reiterated. The Turkish foreign minister also stressed that relations with Russia cannot replace the country's relations with the NATO military alliance./.
