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Pentagon Chief claims Turkey can return to F-35 project if it quits Russia's S-400 Programme

28 August 2019 22:54 (UTC +04:00)

Pentagon chief Mark Esper expressed hope that Turkey would get rid of its S-400 air defence systems, which it has bought from Russia, saying that if it does so, then the country can count on returning to the F-35 programme and acquire the jets it ordered, APA reports citing Sputnik International.

He further stressed that Ankara must fully cease its participation in the S-400 programme, removing the systems for good from the country, in order to get the F-35 fighters.

Washington earlier suspended Ankara's participation in the F-35 procurement programme after it refused to fulfil the American ultimatum, demanding that it cancel its deal with Russia on S-400 air defence systems.