Washington also expressed concerns about Turkey-Hamas ties
Turkey has yet to meet the legal requirements for readmission to the US F-35 fighter programme, the State Department has said, as Athens moves ahead with a major purchase of Israeli air defence systems.
Returning to the F-35 programme has been a key priority for Ankara, particularly after US President Donald Trump indicated at the NATO summit that he would support such a move. Turkey was removed from the programme in 2020 after acquiring the Russian S-400 air defence system.
Following the NATO summit, Turkish officials revealed they were in talks with a Gulf state over the possible sale of the S-400, in an effort to pave the way for Turkey’s return to the F-35 programme.
However, Turkey has yet to meet the conditions set out in US law for its readmission, the State Department said in a letter dated 22 July to Democratic Congressman Wesley Bell, cited by Kathimerini.
