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MILITARY

U.S. stops F-35 fighter jet parts delivery to Turkey

By Mike Tyler

April 2, 2019 - The United States has stopped delivery of F-35 fighter jet parts to Turkey in retaliation for Ankara’s decision to move ahead with the purchase of a Russian surface-to-air missile system.

Top U.S. government leaders have repeatedly threatened to shut down Turkey’s plan to buy the F-35 stealth jet if Turkey didn’t abandon efforts to buy the S-400 Russian system. Halting the delivery of parts and manuals needed to prepare for the aircraft’s planned delivery this summer is the first step toward ending the actual aircraft sale.

The U.S. move comes just days after Turkey’s foreign minister said his country was committed to the deal to buy the Russian system and was discussing delivery dates.

Washington officials have expressed concerns that Turkey’s acquisition of both U.S. and Russian systems could give Moscow access to sophisticated American technology and allow it to find ways to counter the F-35.

The U.S. had previously agreed to sell 100 F-35 fighters to Turkey.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 02/04/2019; STORY: Graphic News
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