Turkey does not meet legal requirements to receive F-35, State Department says – exclusive

Turkey remains ineligible to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program, the US State Department informed Congress in a July 22 letter. The letter, obtained by The Jerusalem Post, reiterated that no F-35 aircraft can be transferred to Turkey until it fully complies with US law, specifically by resolving its acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. The State Department stated, "Turkey has not yet met these conditions." While acknowledging ongoing engagement with Ankara to resolve the S-400 issue and strengthen NATO cooperation, the letter also highlighted Turkey's diplomatic support in various regional conflicts and its "pivotal role" in advancing a Gaza peace plan. However, concerns persist regarding Hamas's financial networks in Turkey, which Washington is committed to disrupting.