US State Department confirms Turkey fails to meet F-35 program conditions

The US Department of State has informed Congress that Turkey currently does not meet the necessary criteria to rejoin the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet program. The clarification came in a response to an inquiry submitted by a Democratic lawmaker regarding Ankara's potential return to the defense initiative.

The decision reaffirms Turkey's continued exclusion from acquiring the advanced aircraft, following its initial removal after purchasing Russian S-400 defense systems. The update has drawn significant attention from Greek officials, who are closely following Washington's defense policy in the Eastern Mediterranean. The State Department's statement indicates that Washington continues to enforce strict conditions before considering any readmission.

Sources: To Vima.