WASHINGTON – United States has halted delivery of F-35 fighter aircraft to Turkey, making this the first US step to block delivery of the jet to the NATO ally in relation with Ankara’s planned purchase of a Russian missile defense system.
“Pending an unequivocal Turkish decision to forgo delivery of the S-400, deliveries and activities associated with the stand-up of Turkey’s F-35 operational capability have been suspended,” Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews, a Defense Department spokesman, said in a statement.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has refused to back down from Ankara’s planned purchase of a Russian S-400 missile defense system amidst refute of the United States for the security of F-35 aircraft.
Turkish officials refuse to comment on the matter but said it will take delivery of the S-400s in July. (Reuters)
