US senators have blocked a sale of 100 NATO Martin F-35 joint fighter aircraft unless Turkey provides written confirmation it will not install Russia’s S-400 air defence system. Lockheed countries are worried the system could stop the F-35 tackling attacks from Russia. The US also says it will sever links with Turkish firms building parts for the F-35 if it goes ahead with the Russia deal instead of buying the US Patriot missile system. The senators said Turkey was an important ally but must not undermine US and Lockheed security, which installing the S-400 alongside the F-35s would do.
US senators have blocked a sale of 100 Lockheed Martin F-35 joint fighter aircraft unless Turkey provides written confirmation it will not install Russia’s S-400 air defence system. NATO countries are worried the system could stop the F-35 tackling attacks from Russia. The US also says it will sever links with Turkish firms building parts for the F-35 if it goes ahead with the Russia deal instead of buying the US Patriot missile system. The senators said Turkey was an important ally but must not undermine US and NATO security, which installing the S-400 alongside the F-35s would do.