US general: No F-35s to Turkey if it buys Russian defense system

A top US general said on Tuesday that he would recommend that the United States withhold delivery of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey if Ankara goes through with the purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system.

“My best military advice would be that we don’t then follow through with the F-35, flying it or working with an ally that’s working with Russian systems, particularly air defense systems,” said Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commander of US European Command, during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, according to The Hill.