To my knowledge Turkey has not been reimbursed for the substantial down payment they made to acquire these fighter jets
Turkey hopeful on $1.4 billion reimbursement from US for F-35 deals- 1.4 Billion dollar reimbursement, still not received.
US remains opposed to Turkey re-joining F-35 Jet Programme
This comes down to Turkey acting independently and not bowing to the NATO (US) edicts
Turkey was removed from the F-35 programme and the country’s Defence Industry Agency was sanctioned under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) after Ankara announced in 2017 it would purchase Russian S-400 missiles
The US said the missiles were incompatible with NATO technology and posed a risk to the F-35s.
Turkey said it was forced to look elsewhere for missiles systems after the US refused to include technology transfer in a deal to buy American-made Patriot missiles.
Ankara also argued that it was aiming for greater autonomy in its defence procurements, but the purchase of the S400 caused concern among other NATO allies.
In a letter sent on August 20 to Representative Chris Pappas and other members of Congress, the State Department said the US position “has not changed” and that Turkey’s possession of the S-400 remains incompatible with participation in the F-35 program. The letter, signed by Paul D. Guaglianone, senior official at the Bureau of Legislative Affairs, stressed that requirements for Turkey are well established under US law, including section 1245 of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.
Pay attention to the groups pushing hard against Turkey
Advocacy organizations including the American Hellenic Institute, the Armenian National Committee of America, the American Jewish Committee and American Friends of Kurdistan backed the congressional effort. These groups have long criticized Turkey’s foreign policy and military actions in the region.
All American NGO’s who shore up those that would destroy Turkey. You will notice that Bibi has recently given the Greeks and Armenians a big nod of support.
As for the Friends of Kurdistan- the creation of Kurdistan aka Israel 2.0 is part and parcel of the US’s targeting of Russia and China, in order to remake the region in their favour. Blocking China’s Belt and Road Project- Control of the Heartland and Rimland
Geopolitics
8 replies on “Turkey will not get F-35’s unless they get rid of the S-400’s”
Thanks for the reminder about Turkey! I just made a post that you might find useful. Rather than post a bunch of links, I’ll just leave the link to my post: https://thechaoscat.com/2025/08/27/is-turkey-on-the-chopping-block/
Awesome post!
The answer to the question is Turkey on the chopping block is a resounding YES, without a doubt!
” The so-called ‘Neo-Ottoman revival’ is less a Turkish doctrine than a Western projection—an ideological scarecrow used to justify regime change narratives and delegitimize Ankara’s strategic autonomy.”
YES
“For those sympathetic to Moscow’s geopolitical concerns, the idea of a “security zone” in Donbass is seen as a rational response to NATO encroachment. But when Ankara seeks similar depth along its southern flank—amid real cross-border insurgent threats—the same logic is rebranded as expansionism”
Yup, notice that double standard- It’s been obvious for years- at least to me. Somehow, far too many are blind to it.
Thanks, Penny! The double standards irk me. I think it’s because many so-called leftists see the Kurds as the good guys. They’re no different than the Grey Wolves—CIA assets.
Yes, the double standard is super annoying and also demonstrates very clearly how perception management (positively directed) can make the terror crowd palatable to far too many.
I recall someone on twitter making excuses when I pointed out they use children as soldiers- Oh now, not them- Well they are trying to do better, etc
The usual excuse making- Yes, they are CIA assets, same as the Grey Wolves- Just a different flavour!
Just adding the following info.
On paper Turkiye is able to produce surface to air missiles which achieve the same ranges as the European counterparts. But that is still lacking in comparison with the Russians. Which achieve double on paper. How this difference plays out in the a real combat situation I wouldn’t know.
Now for a different perspective on the whole issues.
I was under the impression that Turkiye had moved away from the american air platforms entirely since the conversations for the purhase of the eurofighters are ongoing. I looked at when this talk about the F35 got raised up and seems to point back 4-5 months back. And another statement from the president of Turkiye 2 months ago. This leaves me to think that this is either a matter of new administration new opportunities or if they got a positive response to use that as a bargaining chip in reducing the purchase prices of the Eurofighters.
Of course the capabilities of the F35 and eurofighter don’t compare but maybe it was at the same time to see if F16’s were on the table with that. Because last I checked Turkiye has to replace its current F16 fleet asap and was hoping that F16’s could be on the table since they already have training and experience on working/maintaining that platform.
Now when it comes secrets of the tech. I am looking this as a person which is not affiliated(anymore) with either parties. USA concerns can be considered legitimate since it would make profiling the F35 easier. But at the same time I remembered that F35 planes were used to intercept a Russian plane near Kaliningrad, which also gives the opportunity to collect data.
thanks Kaz
Not sure about surface to air missile ranges?
What I did look into was the Turkish move to buy eurofighters
https://www.ainvest.com/news/turkey-nears-deal-eurofighter-typhoon-jet-order-35-competition-2507/
looks like Germany was hesitant, but, may be coming around? (But, Germany is a questionable player when it comes to Turkey)
“The UK has long been eager to sell the Eurofighter jets to prospective buyers, including Turkey. Italy and Spain also support the sale, which would keep the production lines running. Turkey has been lobbying relentlessly for a green light from Germany, and it appears that their efforts are finally paying off [2]. The acquisition of these cutting-edge fighters would significantly enhance the combat capability of the Turkish Air Force, which currently relies on aging F-16 C/D jets procured from the United States. This deal would also allow Turkey to respond to Greece’s procurement of Rafale jets and the impending acquisition of F-35 stealth fighters [2].”
The US hasn’t returned the money Turkey paid, from my understanding, perhaps this is why Turkish leadership is entertaining the possibility of acquiring these planes? I don’t know.
I see heated rhetoric increasing largely from Greece towards Turkey. As well as Israel towards Turkey. And Israel is expressing interest in populating Cyprus?!
And removing the Turkish people residing there?
“It is not Israel’s role or desire to liberate Northern Cyprus. However, if the threat from the area reaches a critical threshold, Israel’s strategic posture must shift. Israel, in coordination with Greece and Cyprus, must prepare a contingency operation for liberating the island’s north. Such an operation would neutralize Turkish reinforcement capabilities from the mainland, eliminate air-defense systems in Northern Cyprus, destroy intelligence and command centers, and finally remove Turkish forces, restoring internationally recognized Cypriot sovereignty.”
https://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/northern-cyprus-is-also-an-israeli-problem/
Regarding secrets of tech- I get what your saying- If Turkey got the planes they could share information with another party (Russia)
ON the other hand… maybe this can be done in other ways?
Hi Penny,
The other way around is not an feasible solution. The way these systems work are the same in general its just that the Russians have refined this more than the Americans have.
Despite this the Americans think they can force their way trough with air superiority like with how its done with Iran. But the moment F35’s profiles are made and are distinguishable to the systems than that approach falls flat and the advantage is entirely gone. And you end up with a “flying whale”.
To the topic of Cyprus.
If there is a heated rhetoric from Greece the only thing I can say is that I have not really noticed it. Greece has issues atm… “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAA42pHjJOE”. So I can only guess its an attempt for cheap propaganda points
But if Cyprus/Greece/Israel want to follow it trough, well I can say with almost absolute certainty that its the most anti European action they can do, because that ripple will truly destroy Europe and Hellenic interest. And very likely hurt Israeli interests as well since Azerbaijan will be forced to take a position.
And with destroying Europe I mean forcing it the split up in smaller groups.
To the reason why it might cause Europe to split. Its because they would be Giving Erdogan alot of free points, Forcing Turkiye into the Russian camp. They wouldn’t want that so disagreements will happen, Something about whatabout commitments to the European Ideals from the SouthEast. To something in the line of We have bigger issues like Russian and Ukraine right now. It would become one big mess real quick.
But than again, I could be making an incorrect projection since there alot of things I don’t know and alot of assumptions I am currently making about the internal state of Europe.
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