In recent years, Turkey, despite being a member of NATO, has been inconsistent with some of NATO's actions and policies. A clear example of this is the gradual warming of relations between Turkey and Russia, one of the signature initiatives of which was the introduction of the Russian S400 anti-aircraft missile system by Turkey. It is worth noting that NATO's main adversary is precisely Russia, so it is difficult for NATO countries, and especially the United States, to accept Turkey's approach to the introduction of advanced air defense systems from Russia.
At the beginning, the United States believed that Turkey should choose to purchase the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system, which is compatible with NATO air defense systems, because Turkey, as a member of NATO, needs to introduce air defense systems that meet NATO standards. However, the result was unexpected by the United States, and Turkey chose to introduce the S400 air defense system from Russia, an old NATO adversary, which caused alarm and dissatisfaction in the United States.
The United States has issued a stern warning to Turkey, including banning Turkey from acquiring F35 fighter jets, excluding it from the list of countries for the F35 program, and banning the export of certain ** equipment and technology to Turkey. However, these warnings did not bring Turkey to its knees, which insisted on the introduction of the S400 air defense system. Therefore, when the first batch of S400 systems arrived in Turkey, the United States immediately imposed sanctions on Turkey, which had a significant impact on Turkey.
Turkey's actions have sparked international concern and heated discussions, as well as concerns about the direction of Turkey's relations with NATO. The U.S. ban on F35 exports to Turkey has far-reaching implications. Turkey, a partner of the F35 project, invested money and plans to equip the fighter a few years ago. However, the United States refused to give Turkey ** F35 and F16 fighters and prevented Turkey from upgrading the existing F16.
The move angered Turkey ** Erdogan, who said that not only the United States has fighter jets to buy, but other countries also have them. He threatened Turkey to consider buying Chinese-Russian fighter jets if the United States continued to sanction Turkey. Erdogan even personally traveled to Moscow to visit the Russian Su-57 stealth fighter, sparking rumors that Turkey might buy the Su-57 fighter. In addition, Turkey has also shown interest in China's J-10, J-16 and J-35 under development.
Compared to the United States, Chinese-Russian fighter jets** are more competitive, which makes Erdogan believe that Chinese and Russian fighters are more value for money. Turkey's countermeasures seem to have had some effect, and the United States does not seem to want to see Turkey's ties with China and Russia grow closer. After all, Turkey is a European country and a member of NATO, and the United States is likely to export F16 fighter jets to it, or assist in upgrading existing F16 fighter jets.
The United States cannot afford to lose such an ally as Turkey, because Turkey's strategic position is very important. The United States must properly manage its relations with Turkey and prevent its relations with Russia from heating up further. The Turkish Air Force is currently under more pressure as its arch-rival, Greece, is gaining the lead in terms of air force equipment. Greece not only has F16 fighters, but also introduced French Rafale fighters.
What is even more troubling for Turkey is that the United States approved the export of F35 stealth fighters to Greece, giving the Greek Air Force a step ahead of Turkey. Therefore, Turkey urgently needs to acquire advanced fighters. If the United States does not export such fighters to Turkey, Turkey may really switch to Russian-made fighters. Turkey's air force will face even greater challenges.