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US Envoy Pushes for Türkiye’s Return to F-35 Program
(MENAFN) The US ambassador to Türkiye has called the ongoing dispute over Ankara’s exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program “insane,” urging a rapid resolution and emphasizing that doing so would reinforce the NATO alliance, according to reports.
In remarks following his participation at a recent diplomacy forum in Türkiye, the envoy highlighted the importance of restoring cooperation, noting that Türkiye remains a key strategic partner. He pointed to the country’s role in hosting critical US military assets, supporting NATO operations, and addressing shared security challenges.
He argued that the current deadlock—stemming from US sanctions and Türkiye’s removal from the program after acquiring the Russian S-400 air defense system—has unnecessarily strained bilateral relations while indirectly benefiting Russia.
“The S-400 issue can and should be resolved within months through surgical diplomacy,” Barrack said, pointing to efforts led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and grounded in the relationship between US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Addressing concerns raised within the US Congress, including criticism over potential arms transfers, he clarified that any agreement would strictly adhere to existing legal requirements.
“That means verifiable cessation of possession and operability of the Russian S-400 system,” he said, adding that formal certifications from the US departments of Defense and State would confirm there is no risk to sensitive F-35 technology.
“There will be no shortcuts on American security standards,” he stressed.
The envoy expressed optimism that progress could be achieved soon, suggesting that a resolution would restore Türkiye’s participation in the F-35 framework, enhance NATO coordination, support US defense industries, and reduce Russia’s strategic advantage.
“What I am signaling is that real breakthroughs are imminent: restoring Turkey’s role in the F-35 ecosystem, strengthening NATO interoperability, boosting US industry, and denying Russia leverage.”
In remarks following his participation at a recent diplomacy forum in Türkiye, the envoy highlighted the importance of restoring cooperation, noting that Türkiye remains a key strategic partner. He pointed to the country’s role in hosting critical US military assets, supporting NATO operations, and addressing shared security challenges.
He argued that the current deadlock—stemming from US sanctions and Türkiye’s removal from the program after acquiring the Russian S-400 air defense system—has unnecessarily strained bilateral relations while indirectly benefiting Russia.
“The S-400 issue can and should be resolved within months through surgical diplomacy,” Barrack said, pointing to efforts led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and grounded in the relationship between US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Addressing concerns raised within the US Congress, including criticism over potential arms transfers, he clarified that any agreement would strictly adhere to existing legal requirements.
“That means verifiable cessation of possession and operability of the Russian S-400 system,” he said, adding that formal certifications from the US departments of Defense and State would confirm there is no risk to sensitive F-35 technology.
“There will be no shortcuts on American security standards,” he stressed.
The envoy expressed optimism that progress could be achieved soon, suggesting that a resolution would restore Türkiye’s participation in the F-35 framework, enhance NATO coordination, support US defense industries, and reduce Russia’s strategic advantage.
“What I am signaling is that real breakthroughs are imminent: restoring Turkey’s role in the F-35 ecosystem, strengthening NATO interoperability, boosting US industry, and denying Russia leverage.”
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