WASHINGTON, DC –
The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) welcomed the U.S. Department of State’s December 15 response to Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues Co-Chair U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) reaffirming that Türkiyeremains ineligible to reenter the F-35 program due to its continued possession of the Russian S-400 air defense system, as required under U.S. law.
In its letter to Rep. Pappas, the State Department confirmed that the U.S. position on Türkiye’s acquisition and retention of the S-400 system has not changed and that eligibility for F-35 aircraft remains governed by the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and Section 1245 of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
AHI appreciates the State Department’s reaffirmation that U.S. law must be enforced and that Türkiye’s continued noncompliance precludes any consideration of F-35 transfers. However, AHI cautions that the F-35 issue should not be viewed in isolation when evaluating U.S. arms sales to Türkiye, AHI notes in a press release adding that: While AHI believes that pressure should be place on Türkiye to demand the removal of S-400’s from its possession, we strongly urge the administration to maintain CAATSA sanctions on Türkiye even if such weapon systems are removed-this will demonstrate such a purchase was not acceptable in the first place!
“Türkiye has repeatedly demonstrated behavior inconsistent with U.S. strategic interests and alliance norms,” President Nick Larigakis said. “While adherence to CAATSA is essential, policymakers must also account for Türkiye’s broader conduct when considering any arms transfers, which is why the State Department’s position on F-16s to Türkiye is disappointing”.
AHI noted that Türkiye continues to pursue policies that undermine regional stability and U.S. interests, including support for Hamas, escalating antagonism toward Israel, and persistent malign activities in the eastern Mediterranean. These actions include repeated violations of Greek airspace via almost daily drone flights, illegal challenges to Greek sovereignty on maritime boundaries, and its continued illegal occupation of the Republic of Cyprus and other unlawful activities directed at Cyprus.
AHI has long maintained that providing advanced U.S. defense systems to a country that disregards international law and destabilizes a critical region sends the wrong signal to reliable U.S. allies that respect international norms, uphold the rule of law, and contribute to regional security.
The Institute will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to ensure that U.S. defense and foreign policy align with American law, values, and security interests in the Aegean, the eastern Mediterranean, and the broader region, the press release concludes.
- Read the State Department letter: STATE_DEPARTMENT_PAPPAS_LETTER.pdf
