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PoliticsUS: Turkey not eligible to rejoin F-35 program; Greece to buy Israeli air defense
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The US State Department has stated that Turkey has not met the legal requirements to rejoin the F-35 fighter program, which it was removed from in 2020 after acquiring Russia's S-400 air defense system. Washington also reiterated concerns over Turkey's ties to Hamas, warning that Hamas financing networks operate on Turkish soil. Meanwhile, Greece is set to approve a €4 billion 'Achilles Shield' defense package to acquire three Israeli air defense systems (Spyder, David's Sling, Barak MX), creating a multi-layered shield. Turkey's plan to sell its S-400 to a Gulf state faces security concerns, as it could expose US weapons to Russian technology. Greece and Israel oppose Turkey's return to the F-35 program, citing regional destabilization.
Source report
The United States State Department has stated that Turkey has not yet fulfilled the legal conditions required for re-entry into the F-35 fighter programme, while Greece moves forward with a major procurement of Israeli air defence systems.
Background on Turkey's F-35 Status
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 following its acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defence system.
Following the NATO summit, Turkish officials revealed they were in talks with a Gulf state regarding a potential sale of the S-400, in an effort to pave the way for Turkey's return to the F-35 programme.
US Position and Conditions
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, as cited by Kathimerini.
The department added that any process aimed at resolving the S-400 issue must be transparent, lawful, and consistent with US national security interests.
Moscow has acknowledged that it has been in contact with Ankara over the sensitive matter.
Regional Opposition
Greece, which has ordered 20 F-35s, and Israel, which already operates the aircraft, have strongly opposed Turkey's return to the programme, arguing that it would destabilise the region and erode their military advantage.
Euractiv reported on 13 July that regional intelligence services had raised concerns over a potential transfer of the S-400 to a Gulf state, warning that it could still expose US weapons systems to Russian technology, given that several Gulf countries already operate American-made military equipment.
Ongoing Concerns Over Hamas Ties
Washington also stressed that its longstanding concerns over Turkey's ties to Hamas remain, warning that Hamas financing networks continue to operate on Turkish soil.
Greece's Defence Procurement
Meanwhile, Greece's Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) is expected to approve on Thursday the €4 billion "Achilles' Shield" defence procurement package.
Under the plan, Greece will acquire three Israeli air defence systems:
- Rafael's Spyder All in One
- David's Sling
- IAI's Barak MX
These systems will create a three-layered air defence shield against short-, medium-, and long-range threats.
Turkey has argued that the growing defence cooperation between Greece, Israel, and Cyprus poses a threat to its national security.
Source
EuractivWestern
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US Blocks Turkey's Return to F-35 Program; Greece Moves to Buy Israeli Air Defense