Search

Pentagon Could Consider Allowing Turkey Back In F-35 Program If S-400 Is Completely Removed, Esper Says

Pentagon Could Consider Allowing Turkey Back In F-35 Program If S-400 Is Completely Removed, Esper Says
Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford hold a press conference at the Pentagon on Aug. 28. 2019. Photo: Matthew Beinart.

The Secretary of Defense said Wednesday the Pentagon could consider allowing Turkey to rejoin the F-35 program if Ankara agreed to completely remove the Russian-made S-400 air and missile defense system from the country.  Secretary Mark Esper told reporters during a press briefing the U.S. would have to see evidence that Turkey was no longer in possession of the S-400, and would not include keeping the system inactive and out of the field.  “It’s either the F-35 or the S-400.…

Subscriber-only content. Please log in below.

Not a subscriber or registered user yet?

Please contact us at clientservices@accessintel.com or call us at 888-707-5814 (Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET.), to start a free trial, get pricing information, order a reprint, or post an article link on your website.



Congress Updates

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]


Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]


Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]


Counter-Drone Flyaway Kit Used In U.S. In Early Hours Of Iran Strikes, NORTHCOM Head Says

U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) used a counter small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flyaway kit (FAK) in the early hours of the strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, according to Air […]