Reuters: The United States has decided to stop accepting Turkish pilots to train at the F-35

The United States has decided to no longer accept Turkish military pilots for a pilot program. fighter bombers F-35 as part of Ankara's decision to buy the Russian Federation anti-aircraft missile systems (ZRS) S-400. This was reported on Friday, citing Reuters sources.

According to their data, the decision made does not apply to pilots already in the United States, but only to those who planned to begin their training at Luke Air Force Base (Arizona).

According to the US military, four Turkish pilots are currently trained at Luke Air Base. Two other Turkish pilots are working at the US base as instructors, Reuters says. Also at the airbase, 20 Turkish citizens are responsible for the operation of military aircraft. They follow trainings under the direction of American experts.

On May 29, the agency announced that the US authorities were seriously considering the possibility of completely suspending the training of Turkish military pilots in F-35 training, but no official decision has yet been made. outlet.

The United States is actively trying to prevent Turkey from buying the S-400. Earlier, Washington had warned Ankara that if the weapons systems were acquired, the United States could refuse Turkey the sale of the F-35. S-400 "Triumph" – long and medium range missiles designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles. The S-400 can also be used against ground targets.

Turkey has ordered 30 F-35s out of 100 from the United States. The F-35 is a versatile combat vehicle designed to use visibility-reducing technology that can carry nuclear weapons. Alongside the United States, eight countries are involved in the project of its creation: Australia, Great Britain, Denmark, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey. In addition, these planes buy Israel and Japan.

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