A bipartisan coalition of US Senators introduced a bill that would disallow the US from delivering F-35 fighter aircraft to Turkey unless the government can show that Turkey will not purchase the S-400 missile system from Russia. The move came amid concern that Turkey’s possession of both weapons systems could create conditions in which the Russian air defense system could be made to better target US planes. This information could then be used by Russia or other actors in possession of the S-400 to counter US capabilities.
The US has suggested that Turkey should purchase the US Patriot missile system instead, but Turkey has stated that it remains committed to purchasing the S-400. Russia has been actively trying to sell the S-400 on the global market, and countries such as India and Saudi Arabia have also expressed interest.
