Turkey Faces A Choice -- F-35 Or Russia's S-400 Air-Defense Missile System

S-400s stationed in Russia and a F-35 on maneuvers © Reuters / Vitaly Nevar (L) ; Reuters / Amir Cohen (R)

NPR: U.S.-Turkey Standoff Over F-35 Escalates As Each Side Waits For The Other To Blink

The U.S. has suspended the delivery of parts and program materials to Turkey that it needs for standing up a key $12 billion jet fighter program there. The U.S. Defense Department says deliveries will not resume unless Ankara abandons its planned acquisition of a Russian missile defense system.

It's the latest slap in an escalating showdown between two longtime NATO allies whose ties have become increasingly strained in recent years.

At issue are two big arms deals being pursued by Ankara. Turkey wants to buy 100 F-35s, Lockheed Martin Corp.'s latest generation of stealth jet fighters. Turkey also intends to install Russia's advanced S-400 air-defense missile system.

U.S. officials have told Turkey that it cannot have both.

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WNU Editor: Turkey is saying that their agreement with Russia to buy their S-400 missile system is a done deal ....

href="https://www.rt.com/news/455473-turkey-s400-done-deal-nato/">Russian S-400 purchase a ‘done deal,’ despite US freeze on F-35 deliveries – Turkish FM (RT). More here .... Turkish foreign minister: Defense deal with Russia 'done' despite US threats (The Hill)

More News On Turkey's Decision To Buy Russia's S-400 Air-Defense Missile System

High stakes for Turkey as Erdogan faces choice between US F-35 fighter jet and Russia’s S-400 missile system -- CNBC
Turkey says proposed working group to ease U.S. worries over Russian S-400s -- Reuters
Turkey’s marriage of F-35 and S-400 ‘absolutely unsustainable,’ says EUCOM nominee -- Defense News
Turkey must choose between remaining NATO partner or buying Russian S-400 – Pence -- RT
U.S. VP Pence warns Turkey against buying Russian air defenses -- Reuters
Pentagon holds out hope of salvaging military sales to Turkey -- Al-Monitor
Turkish Pilots Continue F-35 Training Despite US Halting Deliveries – Report -- Sputnik