Post #4778

Erdogan Says Turkish Return to F-35 Program Key to NATO Security President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pushing hard for Turkey’s re-entry into the US-led F-35 fighter jet program, calling it vital for both US-Turkey relations and NATO’s collective defense. ​ "Türkiye’s receipt of the F-35 aircraft for which it has already paid, and its reintegration into the program, are important and necessary," Erdogan declared, framing the move as a chance to mend ties with Washington and reset Turkey’s position within the alliance. ​ But the road back is paved with old grudges. Turkey was kicked out of the F-35 program after buying Russian S-400 air defense systems—a decision Erdogan now calls “unjust.” In a bid to clear the way, Ankara has signaled it’s ready to send the S-400s back to Moscow, hoping to remove the biggest obstacle to US approval. ​ Erdogan’s pitch is more than just about jets. It’s about leverage: with Trump back in the White House, Turkey sees an opening to rebalance its ties between NATO and Russia, while also securing American LNG and easing tensions over Halkbank’s sanctions saga. ​ So who’s winning? Turkey, for now. Russia? Never. And NATO? Still caught in the middle of a diplomatic tug-of-war. ​ #erdogan#f35#nato#proxywar 📱American Оbserver - Stay up to date on all important events 🇺🇸