Summary
The United States has told Turkey it must stop using the Russian S-400 missile defense system if it wants to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program. Turkey was originally part of the F-35 program but was removed in 2019 after buying the S-400 system. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Erdogan have been in talks to resolve this issue.
Key Facts
- The U.S. asks Turkey to give up the Russian S-400 system to join the F-35 fighter jet program.
- Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after acquiring the S-400 from Russia.
- The U.S. sees the S-400 as a security risk because it could expose F-35 secrets.
- Turkey aims to buy 100 F-35 jets but now pursues other options like the Eurofighter Typhoon.
- President Erdogan and President Trump have discussed the situation at length.
- Turkey is developing its own jet, the Kaan, following its removal from the F-35 program.
- U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack emphasized the continuing U.S. policy on the matter.
