The Turkish government has commented on the US Congress decision to terminate the participation of Turkey in the program of the fifth generation fighter F-35. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on this occasion, Ankara will find an alternative to the American fighter, transmits Turkish channel NTV.
In a statement, Yıldırım noted, that the refusal of Turkey's participation in the program production and subsequent use of the F-35 fifth-generation fighter the US certainly is unfortunate developments, regrettable and contrary to the spirit of the strategic partnership. But at the same time, Ankara will be left without an alternative to this fighter.
At the same time, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, answering questions of journalists in relation to the F-35 failure of the US Congress in the acquisition of a fifth-generation aircraft allegedly due to a deal with Russia for the S-400, He stated, that the matter is closed once and for Turkey in any case acquire anti-aircraft missile system S-400.
It should be noted, that at present Turkey as part of the production program and the subsequent operation of the fighter of the 5th generation F-35 listed US for about 800 millions of dollars. Besides Turkey from the beginning was among the nine major participants in the development of the program F35. In accordance with the contract, Ankara should get 120 the latest fighter-bomber. Turkey also produces one of the most important parts F35 design and has committed itself to the maintenance and installation of engines F35.
Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, that Turkey will not give up the deal with Russia to purchase the S-400, even under the threat of sanctions.
