Middle Israel: No one needs a tyrannical Turkey with F-35 fighter jets – opinion

Turkey's pursuit of American-made F-35 fighter jets is a significant international concern, impacting not only Ankara and Washington but also Greece, Israel, the Arab world, and Western nations. Despite being a NATO co-founder, Turkey's 2017 acquisition of Russia's S-400 air-defense system raises questions about its alliance with the US, as owning both could aid Russia in improving its anti-aircraft capabilities against American technology. This deal is viewed as a threat by Greece, Turkey's historical rival, and by Arab governments who perceive a neo-Ottoman imperialism. Israel also opposes the deal due to Turkey's support for Hamas and its anti-Israel rhetoric. The article argues that a bolstered Turkish air force, under its current leadership's religious zeal and increasingly authoritarian rule, poses a threat to regional stability and Western interests. As Turkish Defense Minister Nikos Dendias stated, "Greece will not be pleased if the United States decides to sell the F-35 fighter jets to Turkey."