Türkiye restarts F-35 fighter jet negotiations with US while refusing to give up Russian S-400 missile system

[Foinikas]

Thats valid, one would assume you don't need to have both at the same time due to cost, especially for a smaller country and economy like Turkeys. But I would also assume that developing the indigenous capability to build advanced jets is invaluable to a country's independence and military industry. Thats why im confused, those two interests are somewhat contradictory to each other when you are deciding between which path to follow.

Look,if you're rich like the Saudis,Qataris or Emiratis,ok. If you have an economy like China's ok. But when you're Turkey,I think it's not logical to try and have both. Unless their 5th generation aircraft project is way more than a decade away to mass production.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Well 1.4 Billion USD should be recovered

• Extra 1.4 Billion USD would do wonders for KAAN program R&D

 

[Pakistanithinktank]

Turkey boasts about Hisar and Siper,while at the same time asking co-production for SAMPT and refusing to give up S-400...it raises the question if Turkey is actually confident about their own indigenous system and line of production.

Turkey's pursuit of SAMP/T co-production while retaining S-400s and developing indigenous HISAR/SİPER systems reflects a multi-layered defense strategy, not a lack of confidence in its own programs.

Turkey’s strategy is pragmatic, ensuring operational readiness while advancing domestic capabilities, a model seen in other major militaries. Critics misrepresent this as inconsistency rather than smart long-term planning.

 

[Foinikas]

Critics misrepresent this as inconsistency rather than smart long-term planning.

Nah it's just another "let me get your tech so I can make my own thing" attempt.

 

[Pakistanithinktank]

Nah it's just another "let me get your tech so I can make my own thing" attempt.

India co-produced Barak-8 with Israel while developing Akash, a pragmatic mix of self-reliance and foreign expertise.

Poland acquired Patriots while negotiating HIMARS purchases, a "hedge" strategy during transition periods.

South Korea deployed THAAD while developing its own system. THAAD was acquired despite Chinese backlash, prioritizing immediate defense over diplomatic friction.

Like China’s HQ-9 (derived from S-300 tech), Turkey’s SİPER may integrate lessons from S-400 operations and European systems

 

[Foinikas]

while developing Akash, a pragmatic mix of self-reliance and foreign expertise.

And how did Akash perform in the latest conflict?

 

[K2RULEZ]

Developing KAAN and still pushing to get only 6 F-35s? at the same time, upgrading their F-16s and trying to buy Typhoons.

What the hell are they upto?

Its not like they have an Endya on the border and face imminent threat of invasion, they are also part of NATO.

Why not take your time with and focus on KAAN?

Exploring all options.

 

[Pakistanithinktank]

And how did Akash perform in the latest conflict?

According to India, it destroyed Lahore, Multan and Gujranwalla.

 

[K2RULEZ]

According to India, it destroyed Lahore, Multan and Gujranwalla.

You forgot the main city Karachi. India conquered Karachi.

 

[Foinikas]

According to India, it destroyed Lahore, Multan and Gujranwalla.

But Akash is a defensive system

 

[Afif]

Turkey boasts about Hisar and Siper,while at the same time asking co-production for SAMPT and refusing to give up S-400...it raises the question

It actually doesn't. Because those are different types of capabilities. Turkey does have confidence in its indigenous SIPER and HISAR. (And there is good reason for it. One would know if he/she followed Turkish defence industry advances in electronics and semiconductor technology in last 10 years down to sub-component level) That's why a year ago they signed a contract with Aseslan/Rocketsan worth $1.5 billion for production and delivery of HISAR & SIPER systems.

Persuite of SAMP/T is still relevant because it offer different type of capability (hit-to-kill interceptors) for BM defense. While current HISAR and SIPER is largely limited to air breathing targets and does not have hit to kill capable interceptor. SIPER block 3 is set to bring that capability but that is still in design phase.

As for S400, why would they give it up even if they have 100% confidence in indigesous tech.?They paid a billion for it. (And that was before SIPER and Hisar reached production)

 

[xbat]

Turkey paid 6 F35 but never got them or theirs money back for 6 years. Turkey doesnt have any 5th gen fighter yet. We live in very unstable region, everything can happen suddenly. so it is logical to persue our purchase.
Kaan needs 5-6 years, not a decade or so. if we can get(dont think so because of jewish infuluence in the US) F110 engines first KAAN will enter service in 2028.
SAMP/T system request is not a new thing and probably we are not insisting to get it. I didnt read anything about that request in Turkish media recently in NATO summit, but international forums are talking about it ? Turkey doesnt have Anti BM capability yet and planning to have it in 2027-2028. If France let it go, first SAMP/T sytem can not come before that date so it is illogical to persue it unless get a pie from europien defence expense.

and my last words for our lovely neighbour, after 2016 coup case, Greek prime minister asked Trump to get support to attack Turkey. Trump rejected it. How lovely you are , you cant imagine!

 

[Oldenwisdom...قول بزرگ]

This is Turkiye's approach of deterrence. You do this when all around you is war and you have no nuclear bombs. There's a good chance that TAF becomes the most potent airforce between the US in the West and China in the East, hence, our Greek friend's concerned input....

Being part of NATO opens up a lot of associated systems that come with the platform. KAAN continues its course and F-35 provides the parallel path and texh worked on and available from rest of NATO alliance or on the flip side... being barred from the platform becomes a hindrance, a self imposed sanction. If Turkiye was to quit NATO other technologies and paths open up... which isn't the case right now...

Though my guess is the F-35 is on its to be wound down. Parts and availability being maintained concerns.

 

[MS Sandhu]

I

The question is,why are you in such a hurry to acquire stopgaps,when you've been siding with everyone and have virtually no need for them. Americans and Western Europeans are ok with Erdogan now,Putin is more than fine with him,Ukrainians depend on him,Syria has fallen,Iran is having problems,Kurds are isolated,,Haftar is friendly to you now,Sissi has calmed down,yet Turkey is anxiously trying to get F-16Vs,F-35s and Eurofighter,along with new AA systems.

Pretty weird if you take Turkish claims of quality indigenous AA systems coming out. F-16Vs I understand. But when you've invested so much on your own 5th generation fighter and unmanned fighter,what's really the reason to spend billions and billions to get F-35s and Eurofighter for like...5 years or something.

Is Greece going to buy F35?

 

[hussain0216]

I’m not sure, but if they get F-35, what’s the point of having KAAN ?

Different jets, KAAN is bigger and heavier from the looks of it and may require another 5-10 years of development