“Turkey produces parts for the F-35 and is a partner in the jet program”

 

Defence minister Hulusi Akar delivered a speech in 2020 Year Budget at TGNA.

Turkey’s defense minister criticized the U.S.’s attitude towards Turkey on F-35 fighter jets.

"If we are excluded from the F-35 project unfairly and contrary to the spirit of strategic partnership due to the S-400 purchase, we are naturally obliged to embark on another quest to fulfill our needs," said Hulusi Akar.

In July, the U.S. suspended Turkey’s involvement in a program for F-35 fighter jets, saying its purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system could endanger the aircraft, a claim Turkey has consistently denied.

Turkey produces parts for the F-35 and is a partner in the jet program. It warned that any effort to remove it from the production chain would be very costly.

It has also said that it might pursue alternatives to the F-35.