The geopolitical chessboard in the Eastern Mediterranean and the defense balance in the region have come to the fore again, with the US leadership making its intentions clear in the most unequivocal way. The message that Turkey remains permanently out of the F-35 state-of-the-art fighter aircraft programme was sent from the most official lips, confirming that US laws leave no room for diplomatic backtracking.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a strong intervention on this issue during a hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The head of US diplomacy stressed the government’s explicit obligation to abide by the law, putting an end to speculation about Ankara’s possible return to the fifth-generation fighter consortium.
The debate opened after a key intervention by Democratic Congresswoman Dina Titus, who called for immediate clarification on an issue that had been of great concern in Washington political circles. Ms. Titus brought to light recent, controversial statements by the US Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barak, who had openly advocated Ankara’s rejoining the F-35 program. The MP pointed out meaningfully that the ambassador’s claims are in complete and blatant contradiction to the official line and the current framework of US foreign policy.
Marko Rubio’s response was direct and left no room for misinterpretation. The US Secretary of State recalled the background of the case, noting that Turkey was unceremoniously kicked out of the F-35 program when it made the decision to procure the Russian S-400 air defense system, a move that was seen as a threat to the security of NATO systems.
Stating Washington’s position, Mr. Rubio made clear that current U.S. law explicitly prohibits Turkey’s reintegration. In doing so, the U.S. side reaffirmed its firm stance, making clear that Ankara’s strategic choices come at a price.
