The US may transfer F-35 fighters to Turkey: what is behind this
Türkiye has taken a new step toward obtaining F-35 fighter jets, which it has been unable to obtain since 2018 due to political tensions with the United States.
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said the country had made a second request for the high-tech aircraft.
As Report reports, the news was key, because the F-35s not only play a key role in strengthening Turkey's defense capability, but also reflect changes in Ankara's relations with the United States and NATO.
The story of the supply of F-35 fighters to Turkey began back in 2018, when the US Congress blocked them due to the fact that Turkey purchased Russian S-400 systems.
Disagreements between Washington and Ankara have deepened as the presence of Russian weapons on NATO territory is seen as a threat to the alliance's security. Despite this, Turkey has not given up on its goal of obtaining the F-35.
Now that Türkiye wants to develop its own fifth-generation fighter, the KAAN, the F-35 situation has become relevant again.
Guler said the country had reiterated its request to the US for six fighter jets, noting that after the successful KAAN tests in February, the US had reconsidered its position and was ready to discuss the possibility of F-35s.
We have resubmitted our offer to them for the F-35," Guler said, emphasizing the US's willingness to compromise.
The possibility of transferring F-35 fighter jets to Turkey is an important step in strengthening relations between the two countries.
It is also important that Türkiye continues to look for ways to strengthen its defense capabilities, enhancing its capabilities with F-35 aircraft.
