US Secretary of State Rubio rules out Turkey's return to F-35 program

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee that Turkey cannot re‑enter the Lockheed Martin F‑35 Lightning II program while it continues operating Russia’s S‑400 air‑defence system. Rubio emphasized that the restriction is legal, citing the National Defense Authorization Act and the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, and said, “If the legislation does not change, Turkey cannot buy F‑35.”

The comments counter earlier remarks by U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack suggesting a possible reopening of talks. Rubio’s statement confirms that, under current U.S. law, no political decision can override the prohibition unless Turkey resolves the S‑400 issue and the relevant statutes are amended.