Turkey is showing off its fifth-generation “F-22” fighter while it is being constructed
Turkey will become the next country after the US, Russia, China, and South Korea to have its fifth-generation fighter jet. Turkey’s intentions for its fighter have been known for years, but for the first time, photos from the assembly line of the prototype being developed have been officially revealed. TF-X began its existence on the drawing board in 2010. The project became much more important for Turkey only two years ago. In 2020, Ankara rejected Washington’s offer to acquire Patriot air defense systems. Turkey turned its attention to Russia and, after several months of negotiations, decided to purchase the Russian S-400 air defense system. Turkey explains that the Russians offered a better price offer, and delivery times and did not tie the deal to mandatory future arms purchases. Months of recriminations between Ankara and Washington followed, with the US pulling out its strongest trump card: if you bring the S-400 into operational capability, Turkey will be kicked...