Cyprus lobby urges Congress to block F-35 sale to Turkey
RastinewsThe International Coordinating Committee-Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) has written to members of the US Congress opposing the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, as well as the export of engines that could be used in Turkey's KAAN National Combat Aircraft Project. The letter cites Turkey's relations with Russia, its stance on Hamas and its refusal to join certain US sanctions, and calls for the F-35 sale to be halted.
Claims about F-35 technology raise concerns
PSEKA's letter argues that Turkish access to F-35 technology could pose a risk to US national security. It further claims that critical technological data from the fighter jet could be transferred through Turkey to countries such as China, Iran or North Korea.
"Greece's military edge must be preserved"
One of the letter's most notable sections addresses the military balance in the Aegean. The Greek Cypriot lobby argues that a Turkish F-35 fleet could erase the military advantage Greece currently holds in the region, and calls on the Washington administration to block the sale.
Turkey's defense projects also targeted
The Greek Cypriot lobby's objections go beyond the F-35, extending to the export of engines that could be used in Turkey's KAAN National Combat Aircraft Project. The letter argues that steps capable of boosting Turkey's defense capacity should be blocked. Turkey's defense industry projects and potential developments regarding the F-35 program have reportedly intensified diplomatic traffic between Athens and Washington in recent months, while the Greek Cypriot lobby continues its efforts before the US Congress.