The US ambassador to Türkiye has described the prolonged dispute over Ankara’s participation in the F-35 fighter jet programme as “insane,” urging a swift resolution, and stressing that it would help strengthen the NATO alliance, which both countries are longstanding members of.
In remarks to Fox News Digital following his statement at last weekend’s Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, Tom Barrack said on Wednesday that the impasse underscores the need for a diplomatic breakthrough, reiterating that Türkiye remains a vital ally, hosting key US assets, contributing to NATO missions, and countering shared threats.
Barrack, who also serves as US special envoy for Syria, said Türkiye’s removal from the F-35 programme, triggered by its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, has unnecessarily strained ties while benefiting Russia.
“The S-400 issue can and should be resolved within months through surgical diplomacy,” Barrack said, pointing to efforts led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and grounded in the relationship between US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Addressing concerns in Congress, including criticism from Senator Rick Scott over potential arms transfers, Barrack said any resolution would fully comply with Section 1245 of the 2020 National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA).
“That means verifiable cessation of possession and operability of the Russian S-400 system,” he said, adding that formal certifications from the US departments of Defense and State would confirm there is no risk to sensitive F-35 technology.