Forty members of the U.S. Congress have urged the State Department to reject Turkey’s re-entry into the F-35 fighter jet program, citing the country’s possession of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system.
Led by co-chairs and vice-chairs of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus—Representatives Chris Pappas, Gus Bilirakis, Dina Titus, and Nicole Malliotakis—the bipartisan group sent a letter warning against the risks of readmitting Turkey.
“Lifting sanctions or allowing Turkey to return to the F-35 program without first removing its S-400s would jeopardize the integrity of the F-35 systems,” the letter states.
The lawmakers also argue that such a move would:
- Expose U.S. military secrets to Russian intelligence.
- Undermine confidence in future U.S. defense platforms among allies.
- Disrupt the development of the next-generation fighter jet.
The letter emphasizes that opposition to Turkey’s participation is a bipartisan issue, with consistent support across administrations to uphold sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
“We must continue to hold allies and adversaries accountable when their actions threaten U.S. interests,” the lawmakers wrote, urging the administration to maintain CAATSA sanctions and protect U.S. defense assets.
The effort is supported by several organizations, including the American Hellenic Institute, the American Jewish Committee, and the Armenian National Committee of America, among others.
Turkey in talks with the US on rejoining F-35 program
Turkey has reportedly begun bargaining once again to rejoin the F-35 program. To acquire US-made F-35 fighter jets, Ankara suggested “storing the S-400 in boxes and allowing the US to carry out inspections.” This offer aims to resolve the issue that led to Turkey’s expulsion from the fifth-generation fighter program.
In March, President Erdogan called on the U.S. to lift the CAATSA sanctions on Turkey and finalize the F-16 fighter jets procurement process as well as Turkey’s re-participation in the F-35 program to develop defense industry cooperation between the two countries.
Greece’s decision to buy F-35A Lightning II combat aircraft could leave Turkey’s air force looking outdated. Greece expects to acquire fifth-generation stealth aircraft before Turkey. Meanwhile, Turkey is developing its own fifth-generation stealth fighters through the KAAN project.
Related: Greek-American Opposition to Turkey’s F-35 Purchase Intensifies
