Retired Admiral Kutluk Comments on F-35 and KAAN Project

Retired Admiral Ali Deniz Kutluk evaluated the attempt by the Greek lobby in the US to prevent the sale of F-35 fighter jets and engines that can be used in the KAAN National Combat Aircraft Project to Turkey. Kutluk stated that the lobbying effect on the US Congress is significant, but Turkey's path now lies with national projects.The Greek lobby in the US opposed the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Retired Admiral Ali Deniz Kutluk commented on the issue and stated that the Greek lobby can increase its influence when acting together with different power centers.

The US Congress is open to the influence of lobbies and can change direction according to the pressure of different interest groups. If the Greek lobby acts in coordination with the Jewish lobby, they can have an impact on the outcome.

Kutluk also stated that the reasons presented by Greece are not convincing.

The argument that Turkey should not be superior to them is quite weak. Additionally, Turkey purchases military systems from the US not as aid, but through company-to-company commercial agreements. The process in Congress is largely routine. Moreover, this practice is not applied to all countries.

Evaluating Greece's discomfort with the possibility of Turkey being reinstated in the F-35 program, Retired Admiral Ali Deniz Kutluk said that Athens has high expectations from the aircraft. However, Kutluk listed his criticisms of the F-35 program, stating that the aircraft has significant technical and operational disadvantages.

Greece expects great success from the F-35. However, in my opinion, the F-35 is a problematic platform. Acquiring it may provide some advantages, but its flight rates are low, its cost is very high, and its dependence on the US is 100 percent. If the US objects, you cannot fly the aircraft. Greece will also face the same problems over time.

Arguing that Turkey's possession of F-35s would not fundamentally change the military balance in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, Kutluk suggested that Ankara should continue its current defense strategy.

Turkey's possession of F-35s would not greatly affect the military balance. Turkey is now proceeding with the Eurofighter procurement process. Additionally, Turkey is developing the KAAN combat aircraft as a fifth-generation and nationally developed project. It would be more correct for Turkey to proceed in this direction.