Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Turkey’s return to the F-35 program is blocked by US law over Ankara’s S-400 purchase. Credit: Shawn Thew / EPA via AMNA
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration currently lacks the legal authority to restore Turkey to the F-35 fighter jet program, citing statutory restrictions linked to Ankara’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 air defense system.
Rubio made the remarks during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing after Representative Dina Titus questioned him about recent comments by US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack. Barrack had suggested that Washington should allow Turkey back into the F-35 program. Titus said that position appeared to conflict with existing US law and long-standing American policy.
Titus asked whether Turkey could receive advanced US fighter jets, including F-35s, under the current legal framework.
Rubio says Turkey’s F-35 return is blocked by law
Rubio said Turkey had originally participated in the F-35 program before Washington removed Ankara over its purchase of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system.
“The reason why they can’t get them is because they purchased the S-400 system from the Russians,” Rubio said.
Turkey’s acquisition of the S-400 has remained a major source of tension in US-Turkey defense relations. Washington argues that the Russian system conflicts with NATO defense architecture and could create security risks for the F-35 platform.
Rubio points to NDAA restrictions
Titus noted that Turkey still possesses the S-400 system and remains subject to mandatory sanctions. Rubio acknowledged the point, saying existing US law controls the issue and limits the administration’s discretion.
Rubio said the administration currently lacks the authority to make such a decision because US law restricts the matter, including provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act.
His remarks underscored that any potential change in Turkey’s access to the F-35 program would require action on legal restrictions imposed by Congress. Those restrictions stem from Ankara’s S-400 acquisition and broader US sanctions policy toward major defense transactions with Russia.