By Erkin Feyyaz Eşli
The United States deployed F-35 fighter jets to India for the Tarang Shakti 2026 exercises, despite the aircraft also being slated for delivery to Türkiye. Notably, both India and Türkiye operate Russian-made S-400 air defense systems. This significant factor did not become an obstacle for the U.S. This case once again demonstrates Washington’s excessive bias towards Ankara.
Notably, the U.S. remains unwilling to supply Türkiye with F-35 fighter jets, primarily due to Ankara’s acquisition of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems. In fact, the U.S. will not supply Türkiye with F-35 fighter jets under no circumstances.
The cause is Türkiye’s multivector policy that has been a subject of discussion in Washington from the very beginning.
F35 and S400 in the same territory
The Tarang Shakti military exercises, held in India from September 26 to October 12, featured a notable decision by the U.S. to deploy F-35 fighter jets. The move is particularly significant given that India operates Russian-made S-400 air defence systems.
In other words, Washington sent the F35 to operate in the same area as India’s S400 air defense system’s long-range radars. The Indian S400 division includes, for instance, the 91N6E “Big Bird” radar station that is capable of tracking up to 300 targets simultaneously at a distance of up to 600 km.
Indian S400 systems as reported are located in the Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat regions bordering Pakistan, and in Sikkim bordering China. The Tarang Shakti 2026 exercises were held at Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan.
Bias towards Türkiye
This event sends a clear message to Türkiye. The presence of Indian S-400 air defense systems in the region is not an obstacle F-35 operations. Nonetheless, Türkiye’s S-400 air defense systems were the primary reason for its removal from the F-35 program, with Washington citing concerns over the potential exposure of its capabilities to Russian systems. The issue is, these are the same Russian made S400 “Triumph” air defense systems both in India and Türkiye.
In this case, Washington’s decision appears to be driven solely by its own interests. The U.S. is ready to deploy F-35 fighter jets in India to project its military strength to China. The U.S. is ready to deploy F-35 fighter jets in Greece and Israel. The U.S. is ready to deploy F-35 fighter jets in military operations against Iran.
Meanwhile, the U.S. remains unwilling to supply Türkiye with F-35 fighter jets. This is not about the S-400 air defense systems. This is about Türkiye’s independence and sovereignty.
Americans want to see a weak Türkiye. They want Türkiye to obey and be manageable. That is the reason why Washington is doing its best to prevent our country from acquiring advanced weapons.
Türkiye should not continue waiting for the delivery of F-35 fighter jets under any circumstances. After the transfer of our S-400 air defense systems to another country a new reason for refusal will be found.
Threat of upcoming war with Israel
Over the recent months, Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that they see Türkiye as a threat. It is possible that Israeli generals already have plans for attacks on strategic targets in Anatolia on their desks. At the same time, Israel can afford it because of the U.S. position.
In fact, Tel Aviv’s stance strongly determines Washington’s policy in the Middle East region. Israel has always enjoyed increased support from the United States, but in recent years this has become especially obvious.
The U.S. unequivocally supported the Israeli genocide in Gaza. The U.S. imposed sanctions on the European International Criminal Court (ICC) as soon as it declared Netanyahu a criminal. The U.S. launched an airstrike on its ally, Qatar, at the request of Israel.
Israel means much more to the United States than any of the NATO member states. Israel can be described as the 51st U.S. state located in the Middle East, which Washington will defend at any cost at any time under any president.
S-400 for Türkiye: Russia’s actions
India signed a contract with Russia for the supply of S-400 air defence systems at the end of 2018, just a year later than Türkiye. However, due to the urgent need to increase Türkiye’s defense capability, Russia supplied us with all four S-400 divisions in 2019.
For comparison, India has signed a contract with Russia for the supply of five divisions, but only three have been delivered by the end of 2025. In other words, Russia has demonstrated the highest level of friendly relations towards Türkiye and our security.
Undoubtedly, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan played a crucial role in this speed of supply. In 2018, following a personal meeting between Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin, it was announced that the process would be accelerated as much as possible.