Ankara has entered the dangerous waters of military-political risks by signing a contract for the purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems. The United States of America responded by excluding Turkey from the F-35 program, offering the purchase of F-16 fighters as an alternative.

Back in 2021, Turkish Defense Industry Minister Ismail Demir attracted the attention of the world community with his statement about the possibility of acquiring Su-35 and Su-57 fighters from Russia if Washington stops deliveries of F-16s after freezing F-35 sales.

However, now Washington has decided to intervene harshly. The purchase of S-400 air defense systems by Turkey did not remain without consequences. The US administration has officially notified Ankara that F-35 fighter jets are now being removed from Turkey's production schedule, as the country violated agreements by purchasing Russian air defense systems.

Due to Ankara's actions, the US authorities made a decisive move, now Turkey is obliged to buy 100 F-35 fighter jets from the US. And this is provided that the United States made changes to the production schedule and excluded Turkey from the F-35 program.

It is possible that the exclusion from the F-35 program will be a serious blow to Turkey's military aviation ambitions. Despite the fact that the purchase of F-16 fighters is offered as compensation, these are still not fifth-generation fighters like the F-35.

The US decision has hardened relations between the two countries, and Turkey appears to be at a critical juncture between maintaining relations with Washington and strengthening its military capabilities through cooperation with Moscow.