by Olawle Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The U.S. had previously suspended Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019, citing concerns that the S-400 system could pose a threat to the fighter jets and is incompatible with NATO systems.
Despite this, Türkiye has consistently maintained that there is no conflict between the two systems and has proposed a commission to investigate the matter. They have also argued that they have met all their obligations regarding the F-35s and that their suspension from the program was unjustified.
The US believes that the S-400s pose a risk to NATO systems and, consequently, to the F-35’s security. If the S-400 issue is resolved, the US is willing to welcome Turkey back into the F-35 family. However, the path forward remains contingent on addressing the Russian air defense system concern.
The S-400 system, equipped with sophisticated radar and targeting technology, could potentially compromise the F-35’s stealth capabilities by collecting data on its radar cross-section and electronic signature. This data could then be exploited to undermine the aircraft’s effectiveness, a risk the U.S. is understandably unwilling to take.
In a recent development, the United States has indicated a potential reconsideration of Türkiye participation in the F-35 joint strike fighter program, conditional on the resolution of the ongoing dispute over Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system.
The S-400—a Russian masterpiece which Turkey acquired has made the U.S. raised an eyebrow, fearing its compatibility with the F-35A. Imagine a tango between two giants.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, now White House National Security Communications Advisor, reiterated the U.S. stance that Türkiye involvement in the F-35 program is incompatible with their deployment of the Russian S-300 and S-400 missile systems. However, he also suggested that if Turkey can address these concerns, there could be a possibility for them to rejoin the F-35 program.
These sentiments were echoed by Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, who stated during a visit to Türkiye that the U.S. would be pleased to welcome Türkiye back into the F-35 program if the S-400 issue could be resolved.
During her visit to Türkiye, US Acting Deputy Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland stated that the possibility of Turkey rejoining the F-35 fighter jet program would be open for discussion if the ongoing dispute over Ankara’s procurement of advanced Russian air defense systems is successfully resolved.
Nuland emphasized that her visit coincided with Turkey’s approval of Sweden’s NATO membership and stated that the aim of her visit was to rejuvenate the relationship between the U.S. and Turkey. She also mentioned that efforts are underway to persuade American lawmakers of the importance of enhancing Turkey F-16 fleet for U.S. security, highlighting that Turkey’s acquisition of the F-16s is a priority for the U.S.
Comparatively, the F-16, while a less advanced fourth-generation fighter, does not present the same level of concern regarding compatibility with Russian systems. The recent approval of the $23 billion sale of F-16s and modernization kits to Turkey, following the ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership, is a strategic move that serves multiple purposes. It revitalizes U.S.-Türkiye relations, enhances Turkey’s air defense capabilities, and aligns with American security interests by ensuring that a key NATO ally possesses a capable and interoperable air fleet.
The U.S. offer to welcome Türkiye back into the F-35 program post-S-400 resolution is a diplomatic overture that acknowledges the strategic importance of Turkey within NATO and the mutual benefits of defense collaboration. However, the technical and operational concerns surrounding the S-400 system must be thoroughly addressed to ensure the security and efficacy of the F-35 fleet.
OLAWALE ABAIRE is a Warrior Editorial Fellow. He is also a researcher, writer and analyst who has written nonfiction books, He has master’s degree in Biochemistry from Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria. He also works as a web content writer with the revered International Lean Six Sigma Institute, UK
