QR codeQR code

Turkey threatens to deny US access to Incirlik Base

30 May 2018 - 17:50


FNA- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned that Ankara may close Incirlik air base for Washington.

"There are no reasons why the US will not supply F-35s to us. We do not want to spoil relations with our US ally," Cavusoglu said, as quoted by the NTV broadcaster.

"The F-35 aircraft should be delivered to Turkey as planned. But in case of problems, Turkey will not be left without an alternative. It may buy [aircraft] both from Russia and from a NATO country. There is an agreement on F-35s, and if one side withdraws from it, the necessary steps will be taken," the top diplomat added.

The Turkish Foreign Minister stated that if the United States does not supply F-35 stealth fighter jets to the Turkish Air Force, Ankara will satisfy its need for such warplanes "somewhere else".

Yeni Safak media outlet reported days ago that Turkey could purchase Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets if the United States blocks deliveries of F-35 warplanes because of Ankara's decision to buy Russian S-400 air defense systems.

Turkey is a member of the US-led NATO military alliance, but Washington-Ankara ties have in recent years grown tense over Washington’s military support for anti-Ankara Kurdish militants in Syria.


Story Code: 307229

News Link :
https://www.theiranproject.com/en/news/307229/turkey-threatens-to-deny-us-access-incirlik-base

The Iran Project
  https://www.theiranproject.com