Ankara, Turkey – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan asserted that objections from Israel and Greece to his country’s efforts to purchase American F-35 fighter jets “have no place in my world.”
He also emphasized that Ankara is continuing its efforts to rejoin the advanced fighter jet program
and bolster its defense capabilities, despite opposition from some regional actors.
Turkey is holding firm on the fighter jet deal
Erdogan explained that Turkey views the F-35 fighter jet deal as a matter of national security and defense needs.
He also affirmed that his country is maintaining contact with the United States on this issue,
and that the objections from Israel or Greece will not influence Ankara’s approach or strategic decisions.
He added that Turkey is handling this matter in accordance with its national interests.
He further stated that his country is acting independently of external pressures or objections,
noting that defense cooperation between Ankara and Washington serves the interests of both countries and their allies.
Ongoing disagreements about the program
Erdogan statements come in light of the continuing controversy over Türkiye’s return to the F-35 program,
after it was previously excluded from it due to its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system.
This led to US sanctions being imposed on the Turkish defense industry.
During the past months, discussions returned between Ankara and Washington to discuss a number of defense cooperation files.
This included Türkiye’s future participation in the advanced fighter programme.
At the same time, some regional countries express reservations about any step that would allow the deal to be completed.
Ankara affirms its independence in defense decision-making
Erdogan stressed that Turkey will continue to develop its military capabilities to ensure its national security.
He also affirmed that Turkey will maintain its defensive balance within NATO,
emphasizing that his country will not allow any external party to influence its sovereign choices or limit its defense programs.
He indicated that Ankara is committed to strengthening its domestic defense industries.
He further explained that Turkey will continue to pursue arms deals that meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces,
keeping pace with the evolving security situation in the region.
