Turkey, a NATO member aspiring to become the Caliph of Muslim nations, is now poised to strike a major deal with the US for F-35 fighter jets.
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Burack stated in Abu Dhabi, UAE, that Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government is planning to phase out the S-400 air defense system purchased from Russia.
The Russian system had previously been the biggest obstacle to the deal. The US ambassador stated that Turkey has resolved the operational issues surrounding the S-400 system. However, he also stated that the S-400’s possession remains a key bone of contention for the US. He stated, “I believe this issue will be resolved within the next four to six months.” Turkey’s purchase of F-35 fighter jets and the removal of the S-400 could both increase threats to India and also create tensions with Israel.
When asked whether Turkey was going to remove the S-400 system, the US ambassador replied in the affirmative. Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 nearly a decade ago was the reason for its withdrawal from the F-35 fighter jet program in 2019. The US imposed sanctions on Turkish defense companies under the CAATSA Act. The US argues that the Russian system could weaken the capabilities of the F-35 fighter jet. Turkey, meanwhile, claims that the S-400 system will not be included in NATO’s framework. Even after being removed from the F-35 fighter jet program, Turkey has paid the US $1.4 billion to purchase 100 F-35 fighter jets, which it has not yet returned.
What is Turkey going to benefit from?
In September of this year, after meeting with Erdogan, Donald Trump stated that Turkey wanted to purchase F-35 fighter jets again. The US and Turkey are the two largest military powers in NATO. Therefore, ending the F-35 versus S-400 dispute would ease tensions between the two member countries. Turkey continues to purchase oil and gas from Russia. Many Turkish leaders have stated that Turkey should abandon the S-400 to improve relations with the US. This deal will bring several benefits to Turkey.
First, its relationship with the US will improve. Second, it will gain valuable information about the F-35’s stealth technology, which will enable it to complete the development of its own Kahn fighter jet. Third, Turkey will be able to provide a strong counter to Israel, which until now was the only country in the Middle East to possess these stealth fighter jets.
Why is this deal a threat to India?
This deal between Turkey and the US could also increase tensions in India. Turkey has openly supported Pakistan. During Operation Sindoor, Turkey sent killer drones to Pakistan, which India shot down using the S-400 and other air defense systems. There are also reports that Turkey may give its S-400s to Pakistan. If this happens, Russia could be enraged.
There are also reports that Turkey will render its S-400s useless so that they are no longer in use. Furthermore, if Turkey succeeds in completely replicating the F-35 and manufacturing its own fifth-generation Kaan fighter jet, it could give it to Pakistan. Currently, India does not have any fifth-generation fighter jets.