President Trump has indicated that he is ready to share the F-35 fighter jet with Turkey, a move that could potentially restore the country’s access to the advanced stealth fighter program. This development comes after Turkey was removed from the program in 2019 due to its acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system, which was viewed as a security risk by Washington.
Background on the F-35 Program
The F-35 is considered a highly advanced stealth fighter that goes beyond bombing capability, with its radar and sensors enhancing pilots’ capabilities and allowing the plane to serve as a node in battle networks with other fighters. Turkey’s potential reinstatement into the program would require President Trump to navigate legal hurdles and restrictions from Congress, including assurances that the technology would not be shared with Russia or other third parties.
President Trump expressed his confidence in Turkey, stating, ‘Turkey, in many ways, has been much more loyal than other countries that we think would be loyal.’ He also mentioned plans to discuss defense, bilateral trade, and the war in Iran with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Original reporting: WMAL (Washington DC) — read the source article.
