The United States ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, has called for a rapid resolution to the long-running dispute over Ankara’s exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program, describing the situation as irrational and counterproductive to NATO unity.
Speaking to Fox News Digital after attending the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Barrack emphasized that restoring Türkiye’s role in the F-35 initiative would reinforce the alliance’s collective strength. He underscored Türkiye’s strategic importance, noting its hosting of key US military assets, active participation in NATO missions, and role in addressing shared security threats.
The dispute stems from Türkiye’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, which led to US sanctions and Ankara’s removal from the F-35 program. Barrack argued that the standoff has strained bilateral relations unnecessarily while indirectly benefiting Russia.
He expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved swiftly through targeted diplomatic efforts, referencing ongoing engagement led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and supported by ties between President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Addressing concerns raised in the US Congress, including opposition to potential defense cooperation, Barrack stressed that any agreement would strictly adhere to legal requirements under the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. This would include verified steps ensuring the S-400 system is no longer operational or in Türkiye’s possession.
He added that formal assurances from the US Departments of Defense and State would guarantee the protection of sensitive F-35 technology, ruling out any compromise on national security standards.
Barrack signaled that progress is imminent, suggesting that a resolution could restore Türkiye’s participation in the F-35 framework, enhance NATO interoperability, strengthen US defense industries, and limit Russia’s strategic influence.
He described the approach as consistent with Washington’s broader foreign policy direction, focused on enforcing legal safeguards, protecting technological assets, and rebuilding alliances to advance national interests without prolonged military entanglements.
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