The US Secretary of State clarified that the US cannot return to the program as long as it maintains the Russian S-400 system, pointing out that the issue is regulated by US law.
Response from Washington
during a hearing at the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, puts a clear limit on the expectations that have been cultivated recently in Ankara for a possible reintegration into the American fifth-generation fighter program.
Barack’s statements and the reference to the legal framework
The issue was raised by Democratic Rep. Dina Titus, who asked Mr. Rubio to clarify the Trump administration’s position after the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barak, said Ankara could return to the F-35 program.
“Tom Barak said Turkey should join the F-35 program,” Ms Titus said. “These comments are inconsistent with the law and longstanding policy, and I just wonder what your position is as Secretary of State. Can Turkey get F-35 or not? It seems we are helping the bad guys and not the good guys.”
Mr. Rubio recalled that Turkey had been a member of the F-35 program but was excluded due to Ankara’s decision to purchase the Russian S-400 system.
“As I’m sure you know, Turkey was indeed in the F-35 program,” he said. “The reason he can’t get them is because he bought the S-400 system from the Russians.”
Ms. Titus noted that Turkey still has the system and remains under mandatory sanctions.
“Right,” Mr. Rubio replied. “So, as you know, this is regulated by law.”
“At this time we do not have that option because the matter is regulated by law, both by provisions of the NDAA and by legislation,” he added.
The US “double safety valve”.
The US Secretary of State was referring to the “dual safeguard” as Turkey is excluded from the F-35 program both through amendments included in the US Defense Budget Bill and through the activation of sanctions provided for in the CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).
Rubio’s response has particular significance as it comes at a time when Tom Barrack, a close ally of President Trump, has appeared optimistic that the S-400 issue can be resolved. His remarks have been interpreted in Turkey as a sign that Washington is looking for a diplomatic formula to reopen the path to the F-35s.
The ball of decisions in Ankara
However, the position of the American secretary of state brings the issue back into its real context, as the reintegration of Turkey is not just a political decision of the respective administration, but is subject to legislative restrictions imposed by Congress.
Certainly, for Ankara, the return to the F-35s would be a major strategic and political victory. Goes to Congress, however, confirm that the US administration is not willing to make concessions on such a serious issue. For Washington, therefore, the question remains whether Turkey is willing to make the move required by American law and abandon the Russian system.
