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General: No F-35 jet Sale to Turkey if it Buys Russia System

by Associated Press

   WASHINGTON --

   The top U.S. commander for Europe says he would recommend the United
   States not sell its high-tech F-35 fighter jet to Turkey, if Ankara
   moves ahead with plans to buy a Russian missile defense system.

   Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, head of U.S. European Command, says Turkey
   should reconsider its plan to buy the S-400 from Russia this year or
   forfeit other future American military aircraft and systems. He says
   the S-400 surface-to-air missile defense system would be a threat to
   the F-35.

   Scaparrotti says U.S. officials are currently in Turkey explaining the
   consequences of the S-400 purchase.
   The State Department in December approved the sale of a $3.5 billion
   Patriot missile defense system to Turkey. The F-35 delivery to Turkey
   has been delayed as negotiations about the S-400 continue.