PSEKA Applauds Bipartisan Congressional Effort to Block F-35 Fighter Jets from Going to Turkey

WASHINGTON, D.C. — [August 8, 2025] — The International Coordinating Committee – Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) commends Congressman Chris Pappas and the 40 bipartisan members of the U.S. Congress who signed a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the Administration to uphold U.S. law and block Turkey’s readmission into the F-35 fighter jet program.

The bipartisan letter calls on the U.S. State Department to reject Turkey’s request for relief from Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) penalties and reiterates the importance of holding Turkey accountable for its continued possession of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, a direct threat to American military aircraft, including the F-16 and F-35.

A Stand for U.S. National Security

In 2019, Turkey was removed from the F-35 program after ignoring repeated U.S. warnings and purchasing the Russian S-400 system. Experts warn that operating the S-400 alongside American fighter jets risks exposing sensitive U.S. military technology to Russian intelligence.

“Lifting sanctions or allowing Turkey back into the F-35 program without dismantling and removing the S-400 systems would compromise U.S. security, endanger our defense industrial base, and undermine allied trust,” the letter states.

PSEKA applauds members of Congress who acted during their summer recess to sign this critical letter and protect American defense and intelligence assets.

Why This Matters

• The F-35 Program represents decades of U.S. innovation, investment, and technological leadership in aerospace and defense.
• Turkey’s continued possession of the S-400 violates U.S. law and threatens American and allied military capabilities.
• Bipartisan support exists across multiple administrations for maintaining sanctions and keeping Turkey out of the F-35 program until it complies with U.S. law.

PSEKA urges all Americans to contact their congressional representatives and join efforts to uphold U.S. law, safeguard national security, and ensure no F-35 jets are transferred to Turkey until full compliance is achieved.