US Removes Turkey From F-35 Programme Over Russian Missile Row

The US says it is removing Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet programme after the country purchased a Russian missile defence system.

Turkey received the first parts of the S-400 system last week.

There have been longstanding fears in the US that the Russian technology could collect intelligence on the F-35's capabilities. 

Both nations are part of NATO but the US claims the missile system "undermines" the alliance and its allies.

In a statement, White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said: "Unfortunately, Turkey's decision to purchase Russian S-400 air defence systems renders its continued involvement with the F-35 impossible.

"The United States has been actively working with Turkey to provide air defence solutions to meet its legitimate air defence needs, and this administration has made multiple offers to move Turkey to the front of the line to receive the US Patriot air defence system."

Ms Grisham also said "the United States still greatly values our strategic relationship with Turkey".

Turkey's foreign ministry said the decision was a "mistake" and warned it could "open irreparable wounds in strategic relations".

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously said the F-35 programme faces "total collapse" without Turkey. 

Ellen Lord, the US' undersecretary of defence for acquisition and sustainment, said Turkey makes more than 900 parts of the F-35 and Turkish suppliers will now be removed from the supply chain.

“It [Turkey] will no longer receive more than $9 billion in projected work share related to the F-35 over the life of the programme,” Ms Lord said.

Turkey was set to buy 100 F-35s. 

The aircraft, which is said to be the most expensive defence programme in history, is used by the US, the UK and other NATO allies including Denmark and Norway.

Manufacturer Lockheed Martin said they have been "partnering closely with the US government and our supply chain to minimize impact to the F-35 program" and that they remain "on track" to deliver 131 of the aircraft this year.

"Over the last several months we’ve been working to establish alternative sources of supply in the United States to quickly accommodate Turkey’s current contributions to the program," a spokesperson continued.

On Tuesday, the UK welcomed its second F-35 training squadron to RAF Marham.