Aircraft
Turkey Receives First F-35 Despite Political Row
Congress may halt deliveries because country is acquiring the Russian S-400 SAM system.
At the delivery ceremony for Turkey’s first F-35, two indigenous weapons were shown. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
At the delivery ceremony for Turkey’s first F-35, two indigenous weapons were shown. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

A delivery ceremony for Turkey’s first F-35A stealth fighter went ahead at Fort Worth yesterday, despite Congressional action that could prevent the aircraft leaving the U.S. The Senate version of the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) refers to deteriorating relations with Turkey in general and the nation's planned acquisition of the Russian S-400 SAM system in particular. The F-35 that was unveiled is one of two that is scheduled to fly to Luke AFB later this month, where Turkish air force pilots and maintainers will train on them for the next 16 months.