Mike Pence warns US President against delivering F-35 jets to Turkey

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence publicly urged President Donald Trump not to lift the sanctions imposed after Turkey bought Russia’s S‑400 missile system and not to clear the way for the delivery of U.S. F‑35 stealth fighters to Ankara. Pence said the move would be a “strategic mistake” that would undermine the security of the United States, Israel and NATO.

He highlighted technical risks, noting that the S‑400 radar could capture the F‑35’s emissions and that any data could reach Moscow, rendering the aircraft’s stealth capability ineffective. Pence also cited Turkey’s history of breaching end‑use agreements, such as the 2026 deployment of six F‑16s in occupied northern Cyprus, and warned that providing the jets could reward a decade of hostile behavior. Analysts such as Michael Rubin echoed the concerns, stressing the broader regional and alliance implications of a U.S. policy shift.