Turkey Seeks to Replace F-35 with Domestic Fifth Generation TF-X Fighter Jet

The F-35 fighter program has numerous restrictions that require complete reliance on the U.S., stated Ismail Demir, head of Turkey's Defense Industries Authority, in an interview with HaberTürk TV.

According to him, Turkey will fill the gap left by the F-35 in its arsenal with the domestic fifth-generation TF-X fighter jet. It is noteworthy that Washington removed Turkey from the F-35 Lightning II jet program in 2019 after Turkey acquired Russian S-400 systems, which pose a security threat to U.S. and NATO systems.

Turkish contractors continue to produce parts for fifth-generation fighter jets, despite Turkey's removal from the program and the imposition of sanctions on the defense industry in December.

“The S-400 systems have already been delivered to the Turkish armed forces and can be used at any time,” said Demir.

Commenting on recently signed agreements between Turkey's state-run Defence Industry Technologies (SSTEK) and the law firm Arnold & Porter in Washington regarding lobbying for Turkey’s reinstatement in the F-35 program, Demir stated that the main goal of the deal is primarily to receive compensation.

Since the start of the F-35 program two decades ago, Turkey has spent over $1.2 billion on the fighter jet development program. According to Demir, Turkey continues to produce some crucial parts for the F-35; however, the U.S. has already reduced over 1,000 parts that were being manufactured by Turkish defense companies.

He noted that considering the restrictions of the F-35 and issues related to the F-35A and F-35B, Turkey's removal from the program “can be a positive factor.”