Four Greek-American members of the U.S. Congress have strongly urged President Donald Trump to keep Türkiye out of the F-35 fighter jet program. They warned that allowing Türkiye back into the program would break U.S. law and risk exposing highly sensitive military technology.
Greek-American Lawmakers Urge Firm Action on Türkiye
The lawmakers issued a joint statement ahead of President Erdogan’s planned meeting with President Trump at the White House. They stressed that the U.S. must be cautious in negotiations about Türkiye’s potential reentry into the program.
They highlighted that Türkiye was excluded from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system. This move, they said, clearly violated U.S. law under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
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The lawmakers emphasized that Türkiye’s military cooperation with Russia, despite being a NATO member, undermines U.S. defense technology and the strategic trust among allied nations. They warned that granting access to F-35 jets while Türkiye still possesses the S-400 system could reveal critical U.S. military technology to Russian intelligence, potentially compromising the security of next-generation military platforms and weakening NATO defense cooperation.
They said that U.S. negotiations should prioritize national security and the protection of advanced military equipment. Any relaxation of restrictions could set a dangerous precedent, exposing highly sensitive capabilities and reducing confidence among allied nations.
Risks of F-35 Access Amid Türkiye’s S-400 Possession
The congressional group underlined that Türkiye’s possession of the Russian missile system while seeking F-35 aircraft creates significant risks. If the U.S. readmits Türkiye, it could expose sensitive information about its aircraft systems and erode trust among NATO allies.
The lawmakers warned that allowing Türkiye back into the F-35 program could compromise the development of future military technology. The F-35, one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, relies on cutting-edge stealth, radar, and communications systems. A country with close military ties to Russia could observe or compromise this technology if it gains access.
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They emphasized that the security of the F-35 program is not only a U.S. concern but a NATO-wide issue. Allied nations invest in these aircraft and rely on them for strategic defense cooperation. Exposing details of these systems could weaken joint defense strategies and risk the effectiveness of current and future military operations.
By drawing attention to these risks, the lawmakers urged the U.S. government to maintain a firm stance and prevent any decision that could compromise defense security or allied trust.
American Hellenic Institute Supports Opposition to Türkiye Deals
The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) has joined congressional calls to oppose new military deals with Türkiye. AHI officials sent a letter to President Trump urging him to reject weapons programs for Ankara, including F-16 and F-35 fighter jets.
In the letter, AHI stressed that Türkiye’s military actions require a strong and unambiguous response from the U.S. They argued that holding Türkiye accountable for its violations of international law is essential to protect U.S. interests and maintain stability in the region.
The opposition from both Congress and AHI reflects growing concerns over Türkiye’s military partnerships and the risks they pose to U.S. defense technology. Both groups emphasized that a firm and transparent policy is necessary to ensure sensitive military systems remain secure and that allied trust is preserved.
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The Greek-American lawmakers, together with AHI, highlighted that any compromise on the F-35 program could have far-reaching implications for U.S. military leadership and strategic defense planning. They reinforced the need for continued vigilance and strict control over access to advanced fighter jet technology.
The discussions surrounding Türkiye’s potential return to the F-35 program remain a key issue, particularly as high-level diplomatic meetings are scheduled. The combined warnings from Congress and advocacy groups underline the importance of carefully evaluating the risks of any new arms agreements with Türkiye, ensuring U.S. military capabilities remain protected.
