Türkiye once again wants to return to America’s F-35 fighter jet program. For this, it has proposed to hand over the S-400 air defense system purchased from Russia to a third country. This step is considered important because America had made it clear that unless Turkey removes the S-400 system, it will not get F-35 fighter jets. Now the question is, what is the specialty of F-35, for which Türkiye seems ready to withdraw from its most talked about defense deal with Russia. In fact, F-35 is considered to be the world’s most modern and deadly fifth generation fighter aircraft, whose stealth technology, smart sensors and electronic warfare capabilities make it different from all other fighter jets.
Why does Türkiye want to give up Russia’s S-400?
Turkey has in recent weeks requested Russia to allow the S-400 air defense system to be shipped to a third country. Earlier, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had also suggested to return it to Russia, but the talks could not progress further. America had excluded Turkey from the F-35 program after the purchase of S-400 in 2019. Washington says that until the S-400 is completely removed, Turkey cannot get the F-35 again.
Why can’t the S-400 and F-35 work together?
America’s biggest concern is the stealth technology of the F-35. He believes that if the S-400 and F-35 are used together, the Russian system can gather important information related to the confidential technology of the F-35 and its radar identification. For this reason, America gave many options to Turkey, but there was no agreement on giving F-35 along with S-400. Turkey had also proposed that the US could monitor the operation of the S-400, but this was also not approved.
Stealth Technology: Ability to attack by avoiding enemy radar. Photo- Getty Images
Why is F-35 considered the world’s most advanced fighter jet?
F-35 Lightning-2 has been developed by American company Lockheed Martin. It is not just a fighter plane but is considered a flying supercomputer. Its biggest strength is stealth technology, due to which it appears like a very small object on the enemy radar. Special design and radar absorbent material hide its identity to a great extent. For this reason, it has the ability to attack enemy territory without being easily caught.
360 degree smart vision: Advanced sensors and cameras provide the pilot with information in every direction. Photo- Getty Images
Pilot gets power like ‘God Eye’
The most special technologies of F-35 include sensor fusion, distributed aperture system and multi-function advanced data link. Many sensors and cameras installed in the aircraft combine different information together to show a clear picture to the pilot. With the help of its helmet system, the pilot can also see the bottom of the plane as if the plane is transparent. At the same time, this aircraft can share real-time data with other F-35s, warships and ground command without revealing its location.
Electronic Warfare: Can share real time data by jamming enemy radar and communication systems. Photo- Getty Images
Different F-35 for every mission, also adept in electronic warfare
F-35 has been made in three different variants. The F-35A takes off from normal runways, the F-35B is capable of taking off from short runways or landing vertically, while the F-35C is designed for aircraft carriers. Apart from this, it is not just a missile firing aircraft. Its advanced radar and electronic warfare system also has the capability to jam enemy radar, communication networks and defense systems. Its war policy has been prepared on the principle of “First Look, First Shot, First Kill”.
A look at the features of the F-35 Lightning II
| Technical Specification | F-35A (Air Force) | F-35B (Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing) | F-35C (Navy/Carrier based) |
| Max Speed | Mach 1.6 (~1,960 km/h) | Mach 1.6 (~1,960 km/h) | Mach 1.6 (~1,960 km/h) |
| Maximum Height (Service Ceiling) | 50,000 feet | 50,000 feet | 50,000 feet |
| Empty Weight | 13,290 kg | 14,729 kg | 15,686 kg |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 29,900 kg | 27,200 kg | 29,900 kg |
| Length | 51.4 ft (15.7 m) | 51.3 feet (15.6 m) | 51.5 feet (15.7 m) |
| Wingspan | 35 feet (10.7 m) | 35 feet (10.7 m) | 43 feet (13.1 m – foldable) |
| Range (Combat Range – without refueling) | 1,239 kilometers | 935 kilometers | 1,241 kilometers |
| Technical Specification | F-35A (Air Force) | F-35B (Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing) | F-35C (Navy/Carrier based) |
| Max Speed | Mach 1.6 (1,960 km/h) | Mach 1.6 (1,960 km/h) | Mach 1.6 (1,960 km/h) |
| Maximum Height (Service Ceiling) | 50,000 feet | 50,000 feet | 50,000 feet |
| Empty Weight | 13,290 kg | 14,729 kg | 15,686 kg |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 29,900 kg | 27,200 kg | 29,900 kg |
| Length | 51.4 ft (15.7 m) | 51.3 feet (15.6 m) | 51.5 feet (15.7 m) |
| Wingspan | 36 feet (10.7 m) | 36 feet (10.7 m) | 44 ft (13.1 m – foldable) |
| Range (Combat Range – without refueling) | 1,239 kilometers | 935 kilometers | 1,241 kilometers |
| Technical Specification | F-35A (Air Force) | F-35B (Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing) | F-35C (Navy/Carrier based) |
| Max Speed | Mach 1.6 (1,960 km/h) | Mach 1.6 (1,960 km/h) | Mach 1.6 (1,960 km/h) |
There can be a new beginning in Türkiye-America relations again
If Russia agrees to Turkey’s proposal and the S-400 is shipped to a third country, the door may open for Turkey to re-join the F-35 program. US President Donald Trump has also recently said that he has not taken the final decision yet, but he is considering it. In case of withdrawal of S-400, the US sanctions imposed on Türkiye’s defense industry may also get relief. However, no final response has yet come from Russia on this proposal.
Leave a Reply