Malliotakis Statement Opposing Turkey’s Return to F-35 Program

(NEW YORK, NY) – Today, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) strongly opposed Turkey’s lobbying effort to rejoin the F-35 Fighter Jet Program, citing risks to U.S. national security and the safety of our allies.

“The Trump Administration must reject Turkey’s push to reenter the F-35 program. President Erdoğan has openly aligned himself with Vladimir Putin, purchasing the Russian S-400 missile system and remaining the only NATO ally to not impose sanctions on Russia, while also supporting Iran, hosting Hamas leadership, and threatening to invade Israel. Turkey continues its aggression in the Mediterranean region, illegally occupying Cyprus and conducting illegal overflights above Greek islands. 

This is not the behavior of an ally. Unfortunately, Turkey has too often acted more like an adversary and handing over America’s most advanced stealth fighter jets to a government that works with Moscow and Tehran while embracing terrorists would be reckless and dangerous. It would not only endanger U.S. national security but also put Israel, Greece, and Cyprus at immediate risk. For these reasons, we urge the Trump Administration to block any such deal once and for all.”