Turkey won't give an access to Incirlik Base if US does not supply F-35 stealth fighter

ANKARA - Turkey threatens to ban United States to accessing Incirlik military base if Washington is reluctant not to supply F-35 stealth fighter jets to Ankara. The bases have been the command center for US forces in operations against ISIS in the Middle East.

"We are trying to improve our relationship with the US to normalize it, the United States must take measures regarding Manbij's (Syrian city), extradite (Islamic cleric Fethullah) Gulen," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said.

"When it comes to this issue, our people say: 'Close Incirlik, Kurecik base (for the US)' We are waiting for the United States to correct its wrong action, 'Cavusoglu told A Haber broadcaster on Wednesday (30/5 / 2018).

US senators are attempting to block purchasing of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Ankara. One reason is that Turkey buys an S-400 missile defense system that is not compatible with NATO weapons, including the F-35. Another reason, because Ankara holds US priest Andrew Brunson.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Cavusoglu hinted that Ankara would buy stealth fighter jets from other countries if Washington refused to supply F-35 fighter jets.

"Regarding the F-35 jet, I have no concerns, this contract is legally binding, it can not be easily stopped, but if this jet is not supplied to Turkey, we will meet our needs elsewhere," Cavusoglu said.

"There is no reason why the US will not supply the F-35 to us, we do not want to damage relations with our US allies." F-35 aircraft must be sent to Turkey as planned, "he continued.

"But in this case, Turkey should have another alternative: maybe buy (aircraft) both from Russia or  NATO countries. There is an agreement on the F-35, and if one party withdraws from the deal, then necessary steps will be taken, "added Cavusoglu.

On Sunday, Ankara media Yeni Safak reported Turkey could buy fifth-generation Russian fighter,  Su-57 if the United States blocked F-35 aircraft due to Ankara's decision to buy Moscow's S-400 air missile defense system.

Earlier in April, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell said the purchase Russia's S-400 air defense system could negatively impact of approval deliveries the F-35  to Ankara.