US senators say Türkiye’s F-35 return would benefit NATO
U.S. senators have said Türkiye’s possible return to the F-35 fighter jet program would be a positive step for both Ankara and Washington if concerns over the Russian-made S-400 air defense system are addressed.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 36th NATO Summit in Ankara, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said the issue could move forward if a solution is found to remove the threat that Washington says the S-400 poses to F-35 technology.
Shaheen, the ranking member on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group, recalled that Türkiye was removed from the F-35 program after its acquisition of the S-400 system.
Türkiye’s return to the program would be positive for both countries if the sides can reach an agreement, she said.
