Headlines
US move to bar Ankara from F-35 programme unilateral: Turkey
Ankara, July 18
The US decision to exclude Turkey from NATO's F-35 fighter jet programme is a "unilateral" step and might bring "irreparable damage" to bilateral relations, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
"This unilateral move is neither related to the alliance spirit or based on legitimate foundations," the Ministry said in a statement.
"It is unfair to remove Turkey, one of the partners in the F-35 programme," the Ministry added, rejecting Washington's claim that Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 system would weaken the F-35 programme.
The Ministry's statement came after the White House confirmed the exclusion of Turkey from the F-35 programme, citing Ankara's decision to purchase the S-400 air defence system as the main reason, Xinhua news agency reported.
Moreover, the Turkish suppliers, which provide over 900 parts for F-35, would no longer receive $9 billion in projected work share over the life of the programme, according to Pentagon.
Turkey has ordered more than 100 F-35 fighter jets, a handful of which had been scheduled to be delivered in the coming months.
In December 2017, Turkey signed a $2.5 billion agreement with Russia on purchasing two batteries of the S-400 system.
Ankara received the first three shipments of S-400 components on July 12 and a fourth shipment on July 13, defying threats of sanctions from Washington.
"This unilateral move is neither related to the alliance spirit or based on legitimate foundations," the Ministry said in a statement.
"It is unfair to remove Turkey, one of the partners in the F-35 programme," the Ministry added, rejecting Washington's claim that Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 system would weaken the F-35 programme.
The Ministry's statement came after the White House confirmed the exclusion of Turkey from the F-35 programme, citing Ankara's decision to purchase the S-400 air defence system as the main reason, Xinhua news agency reported.
Moreover, the Turkish suppliers, which provide over 900 parts for F-35, would no longer receive $9 billion in projected work share over the life of the programme, according to Pentagon.
Turkey has ordered more than 100 F-35 fighter jets, a handful of which had been scheduled to be delivered in the coming months.
In December 2017, Turkey signed a $2.5 billion agreement with Russia on purchasing two batteries of the S-400 system.
Ankara received the first three shipments of S-400 components on July 12 and a fourth shipment on July 13, defying threats of sanctions from Washington.
10 hours ago
The BioInnovation Institute and Science presented the Innovation Prize to Indian American Aditya Kunjapur
10 hours ago
Pennsylvania Republican primary results show Haley with over 150,000 votes.
10 hours ago
Mandates airline refunds and fee transparency introduced by Biden
10 hours ago
Initiative to tackle newborn malnutrition in rural India promoted by the Indian Consulate in NY
10 hours ago
In Los Angeles, a high-ranking US diplomat convenes with the Jain community
10 hours ago
The Peabody Award has nominated two Indian documentaries as finalists.
just now
11 hours ago
Indian rupee to appreciate to Rs 82–82.50 in FY25: CARE Ratings
11 hours ago
Reservation given earlier to Muslim community continued in K’taka: CM Siddaramaiah
11 hours ago
Congress, SP playing divisive politics, says PM Modi in Agra
12 hours ago
Nestle India’s net profit up 27 pc in Q4; to form a JV with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories
12 hours ago
BMW's another all-electric car launched in India
12 hours ago
Cong candidate in Kerala suspects foul play as list of poll officials leaked, one suspended