U.S. Will Not Sell F-35 Stealth Fighter Jets To Turkey

By Steve Bynum
In this March 29, 2019, photo, a U.S. F-35A fighter jet prepares to land at Chungju Air Base in Chungju, South Korea. The White House says Turkey can no longer be part of the American F-35 fighter jet program.
In this March 29, 2019, photo, a U.S. F-35A fighter jet prepares to land at Chungju Air Base in Chungju, South Korea. The White House says Turkey can no longer be part of the American F-35 fighter jet program. Kang Jong-min / Newsis via AP
In this March 29, 2019, photo, a U.S. F-35A fighter jet prepares to land at Chungju Air Base in Chungju, South Korea. The White House says Turkey can no longer be part of the American F-35 fighter jet program.
In this March 29, 2019, photo, a U.S. F-35A fighter jet prepares to land at Chungju Air Base in Chungju, South Korea. The White House says Turkey can no longer be part of the American F-35 fighter jet program. Kang Jong-min / Newsis via AP

U.S. Will Not Sell F-35 Stealth Fighter Jets To Turkey

By Steve Bynum
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The U.S. will not sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, following Turkey’s purchase of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, the White House announced. “The F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities,” the White House said in a statement. The U.S.’ Patriot missile systems, manufactured by Raytheon, are comparable to the S-400. President Trump has not made clear whether the U.S. will impose further sanctions on Turkey. Ellen M. Lord, the Defense Department’s under secretary for acquisition and sustainment, has said that America’s military alliance with Turkey remains strong. Joining us to discuss the U.S.-Turkey military relationship is William Hartung. Hartung is director of the Arms and Security Project at the Center for International Policy.