In the complex realm of international politics and defense strategies, President Biden continues to push forward policies that risk compromising American security and stability. Unlike previous administrations that keenly understood the perils of arming adversaries, Biden’s team is dangerously close to providing the regime of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with advanced military technology.
President Jimmy Carter, despite his progressive stance, recognized the importance of denying sophisticated weaponry to unstable or hostile governments. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, Carter canceled the delivery of F-14 Tomcats to Tehran. Such restraint appears to be absent in the current administration, which is contemplating the revival of Turkey’s involvement in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, despite Erdogan’s blatant anti-American rhetoric and actions.
Turkey under Erdogan has demonstrated a consistent trajectory that should disqualify it from receiving such high-caliber military equipment. Erdogan’s regime has embraced Hamas, obstructed NATO’s expansion by extorting member states, assisted Russia in bypassing sanctions, and engaged in ethnic cleansing against the Kurds in Syria. Moreover, Turkey has repeatedly bombarded Iraq, challenged the sovereignty of Cyprus and Greece, and provided logistical support to the Islamic State group. These actions collectively underscore that Turkey’s interests are increasingly divergent from those of the United States and NATO.
In early July, Celeste Wallander and Michael Carpenter were reported to have discussed reviving the F-35 program with their Turkish counterparts, contingent on Turkey handing over its Russian S-400 missile systems. The discussions, which continue despite Turkish refusal to part with the S-400s during the Trump era, exemplify the administration’s willingness to consider deals that undermine established American and NATO security protocols.
The end of any presidential term, particularly a lame-duck phase, invites a perilous environment where officials may advance policies with diminished accountability. The Biden administration, unrestrained by electoral consequences, risks prioritizing commercial and personal gains over national security. This potential for ethical breaches in policy-making is pronounced, especially with officials eyeing lucrative second careers in defense industries post-administration.
The prospect of reengaging Turkey in the F-35 program is, indisputably, a misguided policy. Such an initiative essentially disregards Turkey’s destabilizing actions in the region and puts state-of-the-art military technology at risk of falling into hostile hands. This decision-making reflects either a profound misjudgment or an alignment of interests that serve personal over national welfare. Ensuring that Erdogan’s Turkey does not have access to F-35s must be a priority, supported by bipartisan consensus in Washington.
This administration’s willingness to entertain Turkey’s participation in the F-35 program raises alarming concerns about its strategic competence. Furthermore, the willingness to engage with Turkey on these terms indicates an alarming policy drift that requires rigorous oversight by Congress.
It is imperative that Congress acts decisively to halt any potential transfer of advanced aircraft and spare parts to Turkey. Trust in the White House’s judgment on this issue is untenable, given the broader geopolitical implications. Ensuring the security of the NATO alliance can be managed by dependable allies such as Finland, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Cyprus, making Turkey’s inclusion unnecessary and perilous.
Policymakers must therefore cement a legislative framework that prevents the transfer of F-35 technology to Turkey, safeguarding American interests and enhancing regional stability. The reckless abandon characteristic of President Biden’s administration should not dictate the future direction of U.S. defense policy, which must prioritize prudence and protection against any amorous overtures towards regimes like Erdogan’s.
