US Halts Delivery of F-35 Equipment to Turkey
* Photograph: Lockheed Martin - Anadolu Agency
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The United States of America (USA) has halted the delivery of equipment related to the F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
Reporting on issue, Reuters has commented that this decision marks "the first concrete US step to block delivery of the jet to the NATO ally" in the light of Turkey's planned purchase of S-400 missile defense system from Russia.
Making a statement on behalf of US Secretary of Defense, Pentagon Spokesperson Charles E. Summers has confirmed the Reuters report.
Pentagon Spokesperson: We are taking steps to find other sources for Turkish-produced parts of F-35
Charles E. Summers, the Acting Assistant to the US Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, has stated the following regarding the issue:
"The United States has been clear that Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 is unacceptable. Until they forgo delivery of the S-400, the United States has suspended deliveries and activities associated with the stand-up of Turkey's F-35 operational capability. Should Turkey procure the S-400, their continued participation in the F-35 program is at risk."
As reported by the New York Times, Summers has also indicated that the US continues to talk with Turkey about the matter, adding that "the Pentagon has begun taking necessary steps to find other sources of supply for the Turkish-produced parts of the F-35."
Andrews: Turkey has not forgone delivery of the S-400
Making a statement regarding the issue, US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews, a spokesperson for the Defense Department, has also stated:
"Pending an unequivocal Turkish decision to forgo delivery of the S-400, deliveries and activities associated with the stand-up of Turkey's F-35 operational capability have been suspended."
Bill prohibiting F-35 transfer to Turkey at US Senate
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan previously made a statement about Turkey's planned purchase of S-400 missile defense system from Russia and said that the country would not take a step back from its decision.
Authorities from Turkey also announced that the first delivery of the S-400 system to Turkey would be made in July 2019.
Last week, four US senators introduced a bill that would prohibit the transfer of F-35 jets to Turkey until the US government certifies that Turkey will not take delivery of the S-400 system from Russia.
After the decision of the US, the eyes are now on the NATO Summit that will be held in Washington this week. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu is expected to represent Turkey in the summit.
Exchange rate of US Dollar on the rise after decision
The exchange rate of US Dollar, which was 5.55 Turkish Lira earlier today (April 2), has increased to the level of 5.60 Turkish Lira after Pentagon announced its decision on F-35s. (HA/SD)