Media: Türkiye’s billion-dollar F-35s left idle in US hangar PHOTO

Four F-35 fighter jets built for Türkiye remain in a hangar in California, more than two years after the country was removed from the programme.

The aircrafts, which Türkiye had fully paid for, have not been delivered, raising fresh debate over their fate, Caliber.Az reports per Yeni Akit.

While the Pentagon previously suggested the jets could be sold to other countries, no concrete steps have been taken.

Maintenance costs for the jets reportedly continue to rise each year, with the United States covering these expenses. Turkish officials, however, have repeatedly criticised Washington for failing to fulfil its obligations.

The prolonged storage of the jets has highlighted both the financial contribution Türkiye made to the programme and the political complexities surrounding it. In the meantime, Ankara has shifted its focus to procuring F-16 Block 70 jets and developing its indigenous fighter, the KAAN aircraft.

Experts note that until a decision is made on whether the jets will be returned or sold, they are likely to remain in the hangar. The issue continues to surface periodically in discussions on Türkiye–US relations and within NATO forums.

By Aghakazim Guliyev