Turkish Defense Forum 
Western experts believe that Turkey could rejoin the F-35 program if it successfully resolves the issues related to its acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system. This resolution would likely involve completely removing the S-400 from Turkish soil and demonstrating a strong commitment to align with NATO’s defense standards and policies.
Photo by Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images
Several countries might be interested in purchasing Turkey’s S-400 missile defense systems. Potential buyers could include nations like Qatar, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan, which have strong military and strategic ties with Turkey. Additionally, countries such as Belarus and Algeria, which are already keen on Russian defense technology, might also show interest. These nations could find the S-400 system appealing for its advanced capabilities and see it as a way to enhance their air defense networks, particularly in regions with complex security challenges.
However, whether Turkey shuts down or sells the S-400 no longer appears to be a point of concern. Ankara seems to be following in the footsteps of the United Arab Emirates, whose F-35 deal was swiftly blocked when Joe Biden assumed the presidency. The block was primarily due to the involvement of the Chinese company Huawei in the UAE’s 5G network deployment.
Turkey’s collaboration with China for its 5G network rollout marks a substantial advancement in its telecommunications infrastructure. This ambitious agreement entails the extensive deployment of Huawei’s 5G technologies throughout Turkey’s urban and rural landscapes.
The initiative includes the installation of 5G base stations, central networks, and essential software, which promises ultra-fast mobile internet speeds, minimal latency, and the capability to connect a vast array of devices simultaneously.
These advancements are poised to push Turkey’s goals in smart cities, the Internet of Things [IoT], and advanced manufacturing further. Huawei’s involvement highlights the technological collaboration between Turkey and China, with Turkey aiming to utilize China’s expertise to enhance its own tech capabilities.
Photo credit: Twitter
Technologically speaking, Huawei’s 5G solutions rank among the world’s most sophisticated, giving Turkey access to state-of-the-art technology. Huawei’s 5G network operates on proprietary technologies like Massive MIMO [Multiple Input Multiple Output] and beamforming, which are designed to dramatically boost network capacity and coverage.
This partnership also provides an opportunity for Turkey to gain from Huawei’s extensive experience in large-scale 5G deployments, potentially leading to a smoother and more efficient rollout process.
The concerns center on the security risks linked to Huawei, a Chinese company accused of maintaining close ties with the Chinese government. Rep. Mac Thornberry, an influential member of the House Armed Services Committee, has voiced doubts about the feasibility of any technical workarounds that could allow Huawei’s participation in vital telecommunications networks without compromising security.
He stressed that U.S. technical experts are skeptical about such solutions, viewing Huawei’s global 5G expansion as a calculated move by China to infiltrate worldwide communications networks, thereby posing a significant security threat.
Turkey’s decision to allow Chinese 5G technology to operate within its borders and its continued use of the S-400 missile system, despite calls from its allies, suggests that Ankara has no intention of rejoining the F-35 program. Contrary to international expert predictions that Turkey would eventually abandon the S-400, Ankara’s actions indicate otherwise.
In a February 2024 article titled “Turkey Signals Preference to Retain Russian S-400s in F-35 Row,” Selcan Hacaoglu discusses Turkey’s unwavering decision to keep its Russian-made S-400 missile defense system. This stance continues to heighten tensions with the United States.
Photo credit: AFP
Turkey’s commitment includes ongoing maintenance and operational readiness of the S-400s, along with recent affirmations from Turkish officials about the system’s crucial role in its national defense strategy.
Turkey’s refusal to back down on the S-400 issue suggests that they are willing to remain outside the F-35 program. Hacaoglu notes that this position challenges Turkey’s attempts to re-enter the F-35 program, as the U.S. perceives the S-400s as a major security risk that could potentially expose sensitive F-35 technology to Russia.
And last but not least, let’s talk about the Turkish fighter KAAN. Turkish officials have ramped up their efforts to position the KAAN, their homegrown fifth-generation fighter jet, as a direct replacement for the F-35, especially after Turkey was barred from acquiring it due to their purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system.
Temel Kotil, the General Manager of Turkish Aerospace Industries [TAI], has been particularly outspoken about the KAAN’s superiority over the F-35. According to Kotil, the KAAN can carry up to ten tons of weaponry, compared to the F-35’s six tons. Plus, with its two engines, it boasts greater operational capabilities, including extended radar range and power.
Additionally, Kotil has highlighted that by 2028, Turkey aims to start delivering 20 KAAN jets to its air force, irrespective of re-entering the F-35 program. He pointed out that even if Turkey were permitted to purchase the F-35, the delivery wouldn’t happen by 2028—a timeframe during which the KAAN will already be operational.
This push for self-reliance and technological superiority is a core component of Turkey’s broader defense strategy to reduce dependency on foreign military technology. As Kotil emphasized, the KAAN serves as a testament to Turkey’s commitment to national security through domestic expertise and innovation, positioning it as not just a replacement but an advancement over the F-35. @Jiangnan
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Several countries might be interested in purchasing Turkey’s S-400 missile defense systems. Potential buyers could include nations like Qatar, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan, which have strong military and strategic ties with Turkey. Additionally, countries such as Belarus and Algeria, which are already keen on Russian defense technology, might also show interest. These nations could find the S-400 system appealing for its advanced capabilities and see it as a way to enhance their air defense networks, particularly in regions with complex security challenges.
However, whether Turkey shuts down or sells the S-400 no longer appears to be a point of concern. Ankara seems to be following in the footsteps of the United Arab Emirates, whose F-35 deal was swiftly blocked when Joe Biden assumed the presidency. The block was primarily due to the involvement of the Chinese company Huawei in the UAE’s 5G network deployment.
Turkey’s collaboration with China for its 5G network rollout marks a substantial advancement in its telecommunications infrastructure. This ambitious agreement entails the extensive deployment of Huawei’s 5G technologies throughout Turkey’s urban and rural landscapes.
The initiative includes the installation of 5G base stations, central networks, and essential software, which promises ultra-fast mobile internet speeds, minimal latency, and the capability to connect a vast array of devices simultaneously.
These advancements are poised to push Turkey’s goals in smart cities, the Internet of Things [IoT], and advanced manufacturing further. Huawei’s involvement highlights the technological collaboration between Turkey and China, with Turkey aiming to utilize China’s expertise to enhance its own tech capabilities.
Technologically speaking, Huawei’s 5G solutions rank among the world’s most sophisticated, giving Turkey access to state-of-the-art technology. Huawei’s 5G network operates on proprietary technologies like Massive MIMO [Multiple Input Multiple Output] and beamforming, which are designed to dramatically boost network capacity and coverage.
This partnership also provides an opportunity for Turkey to gain from Huawei’s extensive experience in large-scale 5G deployments, potentially leading to a smoother and more efficient rollout process.
The concerns center on the security risks linked to Huawei, a Chinese company accused of maintaining close ties with the Chinese government. Rep. Mac Thornberry, an influential member of the House Armed Services Committee, has voiced doubts about the feasibility of any technical workarounds that could allow Huawei’s participation in vital telecommunications networks without compromising security.
He stressed that U.S. technical experts are skeptical about such solutions, viewing Huawei’s global 5G expansion as a calculated move by China to infiltrate worldwide communications networks, thereby posing a significant security threat.
Turkey’s decision to allow Chinese 5G technology to operate within its borders and its continued use of the S-400 missile system, despite calls from its allies, suggests that Ankara has no intention of rejoining the F-35 program. Contrary to international expert predictions that Turkey would eventually abandon the S-400, Ankara’s actions indicate otherwise.
In a February 2024 article titled “Turkey Signals Preference to Retain Russian S-400s in F-35 Row,” Selcan Hacaoglu discusses Turkey’s unwavering decision to keep its Russian-made S-400 missile defense system. This stance continues to heighten tensions with the United States.
Turkey’s commitment includes ongoing maintenance and operational readiness of the S-400s, along with recent affirmations from Turkish officials about the system’s crucial role in its national defense strategy.
Turkey’s refusal to back down on the S-400 issue suggests that they are willing to remain outside the F-35 program. Hacaoglu notes that this position challenges Turkey’s attempts to re-enter the F-35 program, as the U.S. perceives the S-400s as a major security risk that could potentially expose sensitive F-35 technology to Russia.
And last but not least, let’s talk about the Turkish fighter KAAN. Turkish officials have ramped up their efforts to position the KAAN, their homegrown fifth-generation fighter jet, as a direct replacement for the F-35, especially after Turkey was barred from acquiring it due to their purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system.
Temel Kotil, the General Manager of Turkish Aerospace Industries [TAI], has been particularly outspoken about the KAAN’s superiority over the F-35. According to Kotil, the KAAN can carry up to ten tons of weaponry, compared to the F-35’s six tons. Plus, with its two engines, it boasts greater operational capabilities, including extended radar range and power.
Additionally, Kotil has highlighted that by 2028, Turkey aims to start delivering 20 KAAN jets to its air force, irrespective of re-entering the F-35 program. He pointed out that even if Turkey were permitted to purchase the F-35, the delivery wouldn’t happen by 2028—a timeframe during which the KAAN will already be operational.
This push for self-reliance and technological superiority is a core component of Turkey’s broader defense strategy to reduce dependency on foreign military technology. As Kotil emphasized, the KAAN serves as a testament to Turkey’s commitment to national security through domestic expertise and innovation, positioning it as not just a replacement but an advancement over the F-35. @Jiangnan
