NEWS

Turkey cannot have both F-35 and Russia’s S-400, Trump nominee says

Turkey cannot have both F-35 and Russia’s S-400, Trump nominee says

US President Donald Trump’s nominee to become the next secretary of defense re-stated that Turkey cannot have the F-35 advanced stealth fighter jet and Russia's S-400 air defense system, which Moscow started delivering last week.

“The policy that I have communicated to my counterpart, if confirmed, [Turkey’s] defense minister is that you can either have the S-400 or you can have the F-35, you cannot have both,” said Army Secretary Mark Esper, testifying at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“Acquisition of the S-400 fundamentally undermines the capabilities of the F-35 and our ability to retain that over-match in the skies going forward.” [Reuters]

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox.

By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.