How sale of F-35s can boost UAE's military capabilities

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/for-turkey-xinjiang-visit-amounts-to-a-risky-gamble-234168">Turkey</a> on Thursday slammed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-weekly-jobless-claims-fall-to-three-month-low-235066">United States</a>` decision to remove it from the F-35 program, highlighting that the move would "irreparably" damage relations.

"Turkey calls on the US to correct the mistake to remove the country from F-35 program which will irreparably damage relations," Anadolu Agency quoted the Turkish Foreign Ministry as saying.

Both the USA and Turkey are NATO allies. Turkey currently makes numerous components of the fighter jet for the US, which are sold internationally."US unilateral move to remove Turkey from F-35 program neither complies with alliance spirit nor based on legitimate grounds," the ministry added.

The United States booted Turkey out of its F-35 programme on Wednesday, days after Ankara received the first parts of the S-400 air defence system from Russia a move which was strongly rejected by the US.

"The F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence-collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities," a statement released by the White House read.

However, the United States added it still values the strategic relationship shared between the two countries.

"As NATO Allies, our relationship is multi-layered, and not solely focused on the F-35. Our military-to-military relationship is strong, and we will continue to cooperate with Turkey extensively, mindful of constraints due to the presence of the S-400 system in Turkey," the statement continued.

Turkey on Thursday slammed the United States` decision to remove it from the F-35 program, highlighting that the move would "irreparably" damage relations. "Turkey calls on the US to correct the mistake to remove the country from F-35 program which will irreparably damage relations," Anadolu Agency quoted the Turkish Foreign Ministry as saying.

Turkey on Thursday slammed the United States` decision to remove it from the F-35 program, highlighting that the move would "irreparably" damage relations. "Turkey calls on the US to correct the mistake to remove the country from F-35 program which will irreparably damage relations," Anadolu Agency quoted the Turkish Foreign Ministry as saying. Both the USA and Turkey are NATO allies. Turkey currently makes numerous components of the fighter jet for the US, which are sold internationally."US unilateral move to remove Turkey from F-35 program neither complies with alliance spirit nor based on legitimate grounds," the ministry added. The United States booted Turkey out of its F-35 programme on Wednesday, days after Ankara received the first parts of the S-400 air defence system from Russia a move which was strongly rejected by the US. "The F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence-collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities," a statement released by the White House read. However, the United States added it still values the strategic relationship shared between the two countries. "As NATO Allies, our relationship is multi-layered, and not solely focused on the F-35. Our military-to-military relationship is strong, and we will continue to cooperate with Turkey extensively, mindful of constraints due to the presence of the S-400 system in Turkey," the statement continued.

Turkey slams USA's decision to remove it from F-35 program

The United States has removed Turkey from its F-35 fighter jet program, this comes a day after Turkey received first delivery of S-400 missile defense system from Russian. Watch this video to know more.

US: Turkey can't have both S-400 and F-35

Turkey on Wednesday lambasted an "unfair" US move to exclude the country from the<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/us-removing-turkey-from-f-35-programme-after-its-russian-missile-defence-purchase-236770"> F-35 stealth fighter jet</a> programme over Ankara's controversial purchase of a Russian missile defence system.

"This one-sided step neither complies with the spirit of alliance nor is it based on legitimate reasons," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

"It is unfair to remove Turkey, one of the partners in the F-35 programme," the ministry said, as it dismissed claims the Russian S-400 system would be a danger to the F-35s.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-turkey-cant-have-both-s-400-and-f-35-236783/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Turkey has ordered more than 100 of the F-35 fighter jets, while its defence industry has invested significant sums into the production of the warplanes.

"We invite the US to take back this error which will pave the way to irreparable damage to our strategic relations," the Turkish ministry added.

Earlier on Wednesday, the United States confirmed Turkey's exclusion from the programme after repeated warnings.

The US-made F-35 Joint Strike Fighter "cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities," White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said.

Turkish F-35 technicians and pilots training in the US would also be sent back by the end of this month.

The first delivery of the S-400 system from Russia began last week and further equipment has since been arriving every day by plane to an airbase in Ankara.

Relations between the NATO allies have deteriorated since Ankara's purchase from Russia but there have been strains over multiple issues including US support to a Syrian Kurdish militia viewed as terrorists by Turkey.

The Turkish ministry called on the US to show the importance of the Ankara-Washington relationship "not just through words but through action and especially in the fight against terrorist organisations." 
&nbsp;

Turkey on Wednesday lambasted an "unfair" US move to exclude the country from the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme over Ankara's controversial purchase of a Russian missile defence system.

Turkey on Wednesday lambasted an "unfair" US move to exclude the country from the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme over Ankara's controversial purchase of a Russian missile defence system. "This one-sided step neither complies with the spirit of alliance nor is it based on legitimate reasons," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement. "It is unfair to remove Turkey, one of the partners in the F-35 programme," the ministry said, as it dismissed claims the Russian S-400 system would be a danger to the F-35s. Watch Video: Turkey has ordered more than 100 of the F-35 fighter jets, while its defence industry has invested significant sums into the production of the warplanes. "We invite the US to take back this error which will pave the way to irreparable damage to our strategic relations," the Turkish ministry added. Earlier on Wednesday, the United States confirmed Turkey's exclusion from the programme after repeated warnings. The US-made F-35 Joint Strike Fighter "cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities," White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said. Turkish F-35 technicians and pilots training in the US would also be sent back by the end of this month. The first delivery of the S-400 system from Russia began last week and further equipment has since been arriving every day by plane to an airbase in Ankara. Relations between the NATO allies have deteriorated since Ankara's purchase from Russia but there have been strains over multiple issues including US support to a Syrian Kurdish militia viewed as terrorists by Turkey. The Turkish ministry called on the US to show the importance of the Ankara-Washington relationship "not just through words but through action and especially in the fight against terrorist organisations."

Unfair to remove one of the partners in F-35 programme: Turkey to US

The United States will stop Turkish forces flying and developing its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/would-like-to-keep-f-35-fighter-jet-programme-with-us-erdogan-226686">F-35 stealth jets if Ankara</a> goes ahead with the purchase of a Russian air defence system, the US&nbsp;envoy to NATO said on Tuesday.

Washington and its allies have urged fellow NATO member Ankara not to install the S-400 Russian system, saying that would let the technology learn how to recognise the jets, which are built to avoid tracking by enemy radars and heat sensors.

But Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan has refused to budge, exacerbating a diplomat rift already widening over conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US&nbsp;consular staff.

"Everything indicates that Russia is going to deliver the system to Turkey and that will have consequences," the US&nbsp;ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchison, told reporters in Brussels.

"There will be a disassociation with the F-35 system, we cannot have the F-35 affected or destabilised by having this Russian system in the alliance," she said.

The United States says the jets, made by Lockheed Martin Corp., give NATO forces a number of technological advantages in the air, including the ability to disrupt enemy communications networks and navigation signals.

Turkey produces parts of the F-35s fuselage, landing gear and cockpit displays. Hutchison said Ankara was an important partner in that production but that security concerns about Russia were paramount.

"So many of us have tried to dissuade Turkey," she said.

The Pentagon has already stopped training Turkish pilots on the jets.

Erdogan is expected to discuss the issue with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump at the G20 summit in Japan this week. One senior NATO diplomat said that was probably the last chance of finding a way out.

NATO defence ministers, who meet for two days in Brussels from Wednesday, are not planning to formally raise the issue, but there could be some diplomacy in informal meetings, diplomats said.

"It's not over until its over, but so far Turkey has not appeared to retract from the sale," Hutchison. "The consequences will occur, we don't feel there's a choice in that."

The United States will stop Turkish forces flying and developing its F-35 stealth jets if Ankara goes ahead with the purchase of a Russian air defence system, the US envoy to NATO said on Tuesday.

The United States will stop Turkish forces flying and developing its F-35 stealth jets if Ankara goes ahead with the purchase of a Russian air defence system, the US envoy to NATO said on Tuesday. Washington and its allies have urged fellow NATO member Ankara not to install the S-400 Russian system, saying that would let the technology learn how to recognise the jets, which are built to avoid tracking by enemy radars and heat sensors. But Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan has refused to budge, exacerbating a diplomat rift already widening over conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US consular staff. "Everything indicates that Russia is going to deliver the system to Turkey and that will have consequences," the US ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchison, told reporters in Brussels. "There will be a disassociation with the F-35 system, we cannot have the F-35 affected or destabilised by having this Russian system in the alliance," she said. The United States says the jets, made by Lockheed Martin Corp., give NATO forces a number of technological advantages in the air, including the ability to disrupt enemy communications networks and navigation signals. Turkey produces parts of the F-35s fuselage, landing gear and cockpit displays. Hutchison said Ankara was an important partner in that production but that security concerns about Russia were paramount. "So many of us have tried to dissuade Turkey," she said. The Pentagon has already stopped training Turkish pilots on the jets. Erdogan is expected to discuss the issue with US President Donald Trump at the G20 summit in Japan this week. One senior NATO diplomat said that was probably the last chance of finding a way out. NATO defence ministers, who meet for two days in Brussels from Wednesday, are not planning to formally raise the issue, but there could be some diplomacy in informal meetings, diplomats said. "It's not over until its over, but so far Turkey has not appeared to retract from the sale," Hutchison. "The consequences will occur, we don't feel there's a choice in that."

Russia's S-400 missile delivery to Turkey will have consequences: US

Turkey will not back down from its decision to buy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-s-400-missile-purchase-from-russia-a-done-deal-cannot-be-cancelled-foreign-minister-208029">Russian S-400 missile defence systems</a> despite US warnings that it will lead to Ankara's exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet programme, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.

In what has become the main source of tension between Ankara and Washington, the NATO allies have sparred publicly for months over Turkey's purchase of the S-400s.

The US Acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan last week sent his Turkish counterpart a letter warning that Ankara would be pulled out of the F-35 fighter jet programme unless it changes course from its plans to install the defences.

In what was Turkey's first public response to the letter, Cavusoglu said no one can give Turkey ultimatums.

"Turkey will not back down from its decisions with these kinds of letters," he said. "Turkey bought S-400, it is going to be delivered and stationed in Turkey."

The S-400s are not compatible with NATO systems and Washington says they would compromise its F-35s, which Turkey also plans to buy. Turkey has proposed that the allies form a working group to asses the impact of the S-400s.

President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday reiterated that Turkey has completed the deal with Russia and that the systems will be delivered in July. He said Ankara would challenge its removal from the F-35 programme on every platform.

The US has threatened to impose sanctions on Ankara, the possibility of which has spooked investors and sparked a selloff in the lira this year.

The lira stood at 5.8460 at 1029 GMT on Thursday, weakening from around 5.8320, where it stood prior to Cavusoglu's speech. It was down some 0.7% from Wednesday's close.

Defence Minister Hulusi Akar has said Turkey is working on a response to Shanahan's letter and that it will be delivered in coming days.

Russia has it will begin the delivery of the systems in July.

Turkey will not back down from its decision to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems despite US warnings that it will lead to Ankara's exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet programme, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.

Turkey will not back down from its decision to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems despite US warnings that it will lead to Ankara's exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet programme, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday. In what has become the main source of tension between Ankara and Washington, the NATO allies have sparred publicly for months over Turkey's purchase of the S-400s. The US Acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan last week sent his Turkish counterpart a letter warning that Ankara would be pulled out of the F-35 fighter jet programme unless it changes course from its plans to install the defences. In what was Turkey's first public response to the letter, Cavusoglu said no one can give Turkey ultimatums. "Turkey will not back down from its decisions with these kinds of letters," he said. "Turkey bought S-400, it is going to be delivered and stationed in Turkey." The S-400s are not compatible with NATO systems and Washington says they would compromise its F-35s, which Turkey also plans to buy. Turkey has proposed that the allies form a working group to asses the impact of the S-400s. President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday reiterated that Turkey has completed the deal with Russia and that the systems will be delivered in July. He said Ankara would challenge its removal from the F-35 programme on every platform. The US has threatened to impose sanctions on Ankara, the possibility of which has spooked investors and sparked a selloff in the lira this year. The lira stood at 5.8460 at 1029 GMT on Thursday, weakening from around 5.8320, where it stood prior to Cavusoglu's speech. It was down some 0.7% from Wednesday's close. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar has said Turkey is working on a response to Shanahan's letter and that it will be delivered in coming days. Russia has it will begin the delivery of the systems in July.

Turkey rejects United States ultimatums, says will not back down on Russian S-400s

Japan's air force on Monday said spatial disorientation likely caused one of its pilots to fly his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-starts-unwinding-turkey-from-f-35-program-over-russia-defence-deal-225370">F-35 stealth fighters</a> into the Pacific Ocean in April, hitting the water at more than 1,100 kph (683 mph).

The Lockheed Martin Corp jet disappeared from radar screens during an exercise with three other F-35s over the ocean near northwest Japan on April 9. The 41-year-old pilot was killed.

"It seems highly likely that the pilot was suffering from vertigo and was unaware of his condition," the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) said in a press release.

"The crash was the result of human action, but it doesn't count as pilot error," a JASDF official said at a press briefing. "There is no indication that there was a problem with the aircraft."

But the air force has yet to recover any intact data from the $126 million aircraft's flight data recorder to back its assessment, which is based largely on data and communication received by ground controllers. Debris is spread across the seafloor around 1,500 metres below where the plane crashed.

The pilot gave no indication he was in trouble and did not try to avoid a collision despite advanced instrumentation and a ground proximity warning system that should have alerted him to pull up.

The JASDF didn't find any indication that the pilot had attempted to eject. 
His plane, which was less than a year old, crashed 28 minutes after taking off from the Misawa air base in Aomori prefecture.

Japan's air force on Monday said spatial disorientation likely caused one of its pilots to fly his F-35 stealth fighters into the Pacific Ocean in April, hitting the water at more than 1,100 kph (683 mph).

Japan's air force on Monday said spatial disorientation likely caused one of its pilots to fly his F-35 stealth fighters into the Pacific Ocean in April, hitting the water at more than 1,100 kph (683 mph). The Lockheed Martin Corp jet disappeared from radar screens during an exercise with three other F-35s over the ocean near northwest Japan on April 9. The 41-year-old pilot was killed. "It seems highly likely that the pilot was suffering from vertigo and was unaware of his condition," the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) said in a press release. "The crash was the result of human action, but it doesn't count as pilot error," a JASDF official said at a press briefing. "There is no indication that there was a problem with the aircraft." But the air force has yet to recover any intact data from the $126 million aircraft's flight data recorder to back its assessment, which is based largely on data and communication received by ground controllers. Debris is spread across the seafloor around 1,500 metres below where the plane crashed. The pilot gave no indication he was in trouble and did not try to avoid a collision despite advanced instrumentation and a ground proximity warning system that should have alerted him to pull up. The JASDF didn't find any indication that the pilot had attempted to eject. His plane, which was less than a year old, crashed 28 minutes after taking off from the Misawa air base in Aomori prefecture.

Pilot disorientation likely cause of F-35 crash in April: Japan military

The United States on Friday raised the stakes in its standoff with Turkey over Ankara's deal to acquire a Russian air defence system, laying out a plan to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-may-suspend-training-of-turkish-pilots-for-f-35-jets-over-russia-missile-deal-222455">remove the NATO ally from the F-35 fighter jet program</a> that includes immediately halting any new training for Turkish pilots on the advanced aircraft.

Acting US&nbsp;Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan sent a letter to his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-to-produce-s-500s-with-russia-after-s-400-missile-deal-219729">Turkish </a>counterpart, seen by Reuters on Friday, that outlined how Turkey would be pulled out the program -- unless Ankara changes course.

Reuters on Thursday first reported the decision to stop accepting more Turkish pilots for training in the United States, in one of the most concrete signs that the dispute between Washington and Ankara is reaching a breaking point.

The United States says Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defence system poses a threat to the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealthy fighters, which Turkey also plans to buy. The United States says Turkey cannot have both.

Shanahan's letter explicitly states there will be "no new F-35 training." It says there were 34 students scheduled for F-35 training later this year.

"This training will not occur because we are suspending Turkey from the F-35 program; there are no longer requirements to gain proficiencies on the systems," according to an attachment to the letter that is titled, "Unwinding Turkey's Participation in the F-35 Program."

Turkish personnel already in the United States will see their training on the F-35 discontinued at the end of July.

In his letter, Shanahan also warned Ankara that its deal with Moscow risked undermining its ties to NATO, hurting the Turkish economy and creating over-dependence on Russia.

"You still have the option to change course on the S-400," Shanahan wrote.

The Turkish lira declined as much as 1.5 per cent&nbsp;on Friday before recovering some losses. The currency has shed nearly 10 per cent&nbsp;of its value against the dollar this year in part on fraying diplomatic ties and the risk of US&nbsp;sanctions if Turkey accepts delivery of the S-400s.

Graceful exit?

Turkey is one of the core partners in the F-35 program and expressed an interest in buying 100 of the fighters, which would have a total value of $9 billion at current prices.

Turkish companies produce some 937 parts of the F-35, largely for the aircraft's landing gear and centre fuselage, the Pentagon says. The United States is now planning to move that production elsewhere, ending Turkey's manufacturing role by early next year.

The Pentagon believes that it can minimise the impact on the broader program if Turkey abides by the US timeline.

"What we are doing is working to do a very disciplined and graceful wind down," Ellen Lord, an undersecretary of defence, told reporters at the Pentagon.

She noted that nothing done to date was "irreversible."

But if Turkey were removed from the F-35 program, the ramifications would be felt far beyond the Turkish air force. It would be one of the most significant ruptures in recent history in the relationship with the United States, experts said.

Strains in ties between the United States and Ankara already extend beyond the F-35 to include conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US consular staff in Turkey.

Still, Turkey seems to be moving ahead with the S-400 purchase, regardless of the US warnings. President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday it was "out of the question" for Turkey to back away from its deal with Moscow.

Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on May 22 that Turkish military personnel were receiving training in Russia to use the S-400, and that Russian personnel may go to Turkey.

The head of Russian state conglomerate Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, was quoted as saying on Friday that the country would start delivering S-400 missile systems to Turkey in two months.

Erdogan said the United States had not "given us an offer as good as the S-400s."

Still, Lord held out hope for Turkey, noting that none of the US decisions so far were irreversible.

"We're hopeful that they will stop the acquisition of the S-400. We would very much like them to stay in the (F-35) program," Lord said.

The United States on Friday raised the stakes in its standoff with Turkey over Ankara's deal to acquire a Russian air defence system, laying out a plan to remove the NATO ally from the F-35 fighter jet program that includes immediately halting any new training for Turkish pilots on the advanced aircraft.

The United States on Friday raised the stakes in its standoff with Turkey over Ankara's deal to acquire a Russian air defence system, laying out a plan to remove the NATO ally from the F-35 fighter jet program that includes immediately halting any new training for Turkish pilots on the advanced aircraft. Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart, seen by Reuters on Friday, that outlined how Turkey would be pulled out the program -- unless Ankara changes course. Reuters on Thursday first reported the decision to stop accepting more Turkish pilots for training in the United States, in one of the most concrete signs that the dispute between Washington and Ankara is reaching a breaking point. The United States says Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defence system poses a threat to the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealthy fighters, which Turkey also plans to buy. The United States says Turkey cannot have both. Shanahan's letter explicitly states there will be "no new F-35 training." It says there were 34 students scheduled for F-35 training later this year. "This training will not occur because we are suspending Turkey from the F-35 program; there are no longer requirements to gain proficiencies on the systems," according to an attachment to the letter that is titled, "Unwinding Turkey's Participation in the F-35 Program." Turkish personnel already in the United States will see their training on the F-35 discontinued at the end of July. In his letter, Shanahan also warned Ankara that its deal with Moscow risked undermining its ties to NATO, hurting the Turkish economy and creating over-dependence on Russia. "You still have the option to change course on the S-400," Shanahan wrote. The Turkish lira declined as much as 1.5 per cent on Friday before recovering some losses. The currency has shed nearly 10 per cent of its value against the dollar this year in part on fraying diplomatic ties and the risk of US sanctions if Turkey accepts delivery of the S-400s. Graceful exit? Turkey is one of the core partners in the F-35 program and expressed an interest in buying 100 of the fighters, which would have a total value of $9 billion at current prices. Turkish companies produce some 937 parts of the F-35, largely for the aircraft's landing gear and centre fuselage, the Pentagon says. The United States is now planning to move that production elsewhere, ending Turkey's manufacturing role by early next year. The Pentagon believes that it can minimise the impact on the broader program if Turkey abides by the US timeline. "What we are doing is working to do a very disciplined and graceful wind down," Ellen Lord, an undersecretary of defence, told reporters at the Pentagon. She noted that nothing done to date was "irreversible." But if Turkey were removed from the F-35 program, the ramifications would be felt far beyond the Turkish air force. It would be one of the most significant ruptures in recent history in the relationship with the United States, experts said. Strains in ties between the United States and Ankara already extend beyond the F-35 to include conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US consular staff in Turkey. Still, Turkey seems to be moving ahead with the S-400 purchase, regardless of the US warnings. President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday it was "out of the question" for Turkey to back away from its deal with Moscow. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on May 22 that Turkish military personnel were receiving training in Russia to use the S-400, and that Russian personnel may go to Turkey. The head of Russian state conglomerate Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, was quoted as saying on Friday that the country would start delivering S-400 missile systems to Turkey in two months. Erdogan said the United States had not "given us an offer as good as the S-400s." Still, Lord held out hope for Turkey, noting that none of the US decisions so far were irreversible. "We're hopeful that they will stop the acquisition of the S-400. We would very much like them to stay in the (F-35) program," Lord said.

US starts 'unwinding' Turkey from F-35 program over Russia defence deal

US Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan warned Friday that the Pentagon will halt manufacturing support for the F-35 in Turkey if Ankara buys a Russian missile defence system.

Shanahan told journalists the government remained steadfast in its opposition to Turkey's adoption of the S-400 anti-aircraft technology.

"If Turkey decides that the S-400 is a decision they want to go forward with, then we have to move work out of Turkey," he said.

Shanahan noted that he had met with delegations from US aerospace manufacturers Lockheed Martin and United Technologies to discuss options if Turkey refuses to forego the S-400.

Washington has warned for months that Turkey's adoption of Russian missile technology alongside US fighter jets would pose a threat to the F-35 and endanger Western defence.

As a member of NATO, Turkey is taking part in the production of the fighter jet for use by members of the treaty and has plans to buy 100 of the jets itself.

A number of Turkish manufacturers are making parts and equipment for the F-35, including internally carried Stand-off Missiles, airframe assemblies and wiring, leaving the NATO program partially dependent on them.

Washington has placed a freeze on the joint manufacturing operations with Turkey and has suggested that Turkey might be able to obtain a US missile defence system if it forgoes the one on offer from Moscow.

But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has insisted he will buy the Russian system.

US Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan warned Friday that the Pentagon will halt manufacturing support for the F-35 in Turkey if Ankara buys a Russian missile defence system.

US Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan warned Friday that the Pentagon will halt manufacturing support for the F-35 in Turkey if Ankara buys a Russian missile defence system. Shanahan told journalists the government remained steadfast in its opposition to Turkey's adoption of the S-400 anti-aircraft technology. "If Turkey decides that the S-400 is a decision they want to go forward with, then we have to move work out of Turkey," he said. Shanahan noted that he had met with delegations from US aerospace manufacturers Lockheed Martin and United Technologies to discuss options if Turkey refuses to forego the S-400. Washington has warned for months that Turkey's adoption of Russian missile technology alongside US fighter jets would pose a threat to the F-35 and endanger Western defence. As a member of NATO, Turkey is taking part in the production of the fighter jet for use by members of the treaty and has plans to buy 100 of the jets itself. A number of Turkish manufacturers are making parts and equipment for the F-35, including internally carried Stand-off Missiles, airframe assemblies and wiring, leaving the NATO program partially dependent on them. Washington has placed a freeze on the joint manufacturing operations with Turkey and has suggested that Turkey might be able to obtain a US missile defence system if it forgoes the one on offer from Moscow. But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has insisted he will buy the Russian system.

Pentagon preparing to move F-35 manufacturing work out of Turkey

The United States said Monday it was halting all deliveries and joint work with Turkey on the F-35 fighter jet program after the NATO ally insisted on a major arms purchase from Russia.

After months of warnings, the United States said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-s-400-missile-defence-system-a-done-deal-turkey-199862">Turkey's decision to buy Russia's S-400 missile system</a> was incompatible with remaining part of the emblematic US warplane program.

"Until they forgo delivery of the S-400, the United States has suspended deliveries and activities associated with the stand-up of Turkey's F-35 operational capability," Pentagon chief spokesman Charles E&nbsp;Summers Jr&nbsp;said.

"Should Turkey procure the S-400, their continued participation in the F-35 program is at risk," he said in a statement.

US officials have voiced concern that, with Turkey in both camps, Russia could obtain F-35 data to improve the accuracy of the S-400 against Western aircraft.

The Pentagon said that it had started to look at secondary sources to produce parts for F-35s that were being developed in Turkey.

"We very much regret the current situation facing our F-35 partnership with Turkey, but the (Defense Department) is taking prudent steps to protect the shared investments made in our critical technology," Summers said.

Turkey had planned to buy 100 F-35A fighter jets, with pilots already training in the United States. The plane's manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, said that contracts with Turkish companies to build parts for the F-35 had been expected to reach $12 billion.

Among the eight Turkish companies involved in the purchase, Ayesas has been building a panoramic cockpit display for the F-35 and Fokker Elmo makes 40 per cent of the electrical wiring and interconnection system, according to Lockheed Martin.

Growing tilt to Russia&nbsp;

The purchase of a Russian system is highly unusual for a member of NATO, the Western alliance forged to counter the Soviet Union.

The US suspension announcement comes two days before foreign ministers from the 29 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization are due in Washington to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the alliance -- and hours after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP party suffered a surprise rout in elections in major cities including Istanbul.

Erdogan, whose relations with the West have soured sharply as he cracks down on dissent at home, has increasingly looked to Moscow as a partner. Russian tourists have made Turkey their top destination, providing a vital economic boost.

Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov travelled to Turkey, where Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu insisted that the S-400 purchase would go ahead.

"We have an agreement with Russia and we are bound by it," Cavusoglu told reporters.

Hoping to offer an alternative, the United States last year approved the sale of Patriot missiles to Turkey -- a deal to which Ankara said it was open.

Four senators last week proposed legally barring the transfer of F-35s to Turkey if it buys the S-400. One of the senators, Democrat Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, praised the Pentagon suspension and pledged to "continue working in the Senate to prevent this dangerous possibility from becoming a reality."

Rocky ties with US&nbsp;

Turkey's relations with the United States plunged last year when President Donald Trump imposed tariffs, battering Turkey's lira, over the jailing of an American pastor detained as part of a mass roundup following a coup attempt against Erdogan.

The pastor, Andrew Brunson, was freed and Trump appeared to grow fond of Erdogan, speaking to him before his sudden decision to withdrew US troops from Syria.

But tensions quickly resurfaced with the United States fearful that Erdogan will strike US-allied Kurdish fighters in Syria and a Turkish court trying a US consulate staffer, Metin Topuz, on charges of spying.

Topuz, a Turkish citizen, is accused of ties to Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish preacher who lives in self-imposed exile in the United States. Erdogan has repeatedly demanded that the United States extradite Gulen, whom the Turkish leader accuses of fomenting the coup.

The United States said Monday it was halting all deliveries and joint work with Turkey on the F-35 fighter jet program after the NATO ally insisted on a major arms purchase from Russia.

The United States said Monday it was halting all deliveries and joint work with Turkey on the F-35 fighter jet program after the NATO ally insisted on a major arms purchase from Russia. After months of warnings, the United States said that Turkey's decision to buy Russia's S-400 missile system was incompatible with remaining part of the emblematic US warplane program. "Until they forgo delivery of the S-400, the United States has suspended deliveries and activities associated with the stand-up of Turkey's F-35 operational capability," Pentagon chief spokesman Charles E Summers Jr said. "Should Turkey procure the S-400, their continued participation in the F-35 program is at risk," he said in a statement. US officials have voiced concern that, with Turkey in both camps, Russia could obtain F-35 data to improve the accuracy of the S-400 against Western aircraft. The Pentagon said that it had started to look at secondary sources to produce parts for F-35s that were being developed in Turkey. "We very much regret the current situation facing our F-35 partnership with Turkey, but the (Defense Department) is taking prudent steps to protect the shared investments made in our critical technology," Summers said. Turkey had planned to buy 100 F-35A fighter jets, with pilots already training in the United States. The plane's manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, said that contracts with Turkish companies to build parts for the F-35 had been expected to reach $12 billion. Among the eight Turkish companies involved in the purchase, Ayesas has been building a panoramic cockpit display for the F-35 and Fokker Elmo makes 40 per cent of the electrical wiring and interconnection system, according to Lockheed Martin. Growing tilt to Russia The purchase of a Russian system is highly unusual for a member of NATO, the Western alliance forged to counter the Soviet Union. The US suspension announcement comes two days before foreign ministers from the 29 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization are due in Washington to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the alliance -- and hours after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP party suffered a surprise rout in elections in major cities including Istanbul. Erdogan, whose relations with the West have soured sharply as he cracks down on dissent at home, has increasingly looked to Moscow as a partner. Russian tourists have made Turkey their top destination, providing a vital economic boost. Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov travelled to Turkey, where Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu insisted that the S-400 purchase would go ahead. "We have an agreement with Russia and we are bound by it," Cavusoglu told reporters. Hoping to offer an alternative, the United States last year approved the sale of Patriot missiles to Turkey -- a deal to which Ankara said it was open. Four senators last week proposed legally barring the transfer of F-35s to Turkey if it buys the S-400. One of the senators, Democrat Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, praised the Pentagon suspension and pledged to "continue working in the Senate to prevent this dangerous possibility from becoming a reality." Rocky ties with US Turkey's relations with the United States plunged last year when President Donald Trump imposed tariffs, battering Turkey's lira, over the jailing of an American pastor detained as part of a mass roundup following a coup attempt against Erdogan. The pastor, Andrew Brunson, was freed and Trump appeared to grow fond of Erdogan, speaking to him before his sudden decision to withdrew US troops from Syria. But tensions quickly resurfaced with the United States fearful that Erdogan will strike US-allied Kurdish fighters in Syria and a Turkish court trying a US consulate staffer, Metin Topuz, on charges of spying. Topuz, a Turkish citizen, is accused of ties to Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish preacher who lives in self-imposed exile in the United States. Erdogan has repeatedly demanded that the United States extradite Gulen, whom the Turkish leader accuses of fomenting the coup.

US suspends F-35 program deliveries to Turkey over Russian arms

The United States could soon freeze preparations for delivering F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, officials told Reuters, in what would be the strongest signal yet by Washington that Ankara cannot have both the advanced aircraft and Russia's S-400 air defence system.

The United States is nearing an inflection point in a years-long standoff with Turkey, a NATO ally, after so far failing to sway President Tayyip Erdogan that buying a Russian air defence system would compromise the security of F-35 aircraft.

"The S-400 is a computer. The F-35 is a computer. You don't hook your computer to your adversary's computer and that's basically what we would be doing," Katie Wheelbarger, acting assistant secretary of defence for international security affairs, told Reuters.

While no decision has been made yet, US officials confirmed that Washington was considering halting steps now underway to ready Turkey to receive the F-35, which is built by Lockheed Martin Corp.

"There (are) decisions that come up constantly about things being delivered in anticipation of them eventually taking custody of the planes," said Wheelbarger.

"So there's a lot of things in train that can be paused to send signals to them (that we're serious)," she added, without detailing those steps.

However, another US official said one of the measures the United States was looking at was alternatives to an engine depot in Turkey, without giving more details. The official said any potential alternatives would likely be somewhere in Western Europe. Turkey is home to an F-35 engine overhaul depot in the western city of Eskisehir.

Asked about the Reuters report, the top US military officer said on Thursday he was hopeful that Washington would find a way to resolve the dispute with Turkey over the S-400 but cautioned: "It is a tough issue."

"Both the executive branch of our government and legislative branch of our government are going to have a hard time reconciling the presence of the S-400 and the most advanced fighter aircraft that we have, the F-35," General Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during an event.

If Turkey was removed from the F-35 program, it would be the most serious crisis in the relationship between the two allies in decades, according to Bulent Aliriza, director of the Turkey project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The strains on ties between Washington and Ankara already extend beyond the F-35 to include strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US consular staff.

"This (the F-35 standoff) is really a symptom, not a cause of the problem between the two countries," Aliriza said.

Many US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, worry that Turkey is drifting away from NATO and watch improving relations between Ankara and Moscow with concern. The prospect of Russian contractors or officials on Turkish bases that also are home to the F-35 is unfathomable to many US officials.

The tensions could further escalate. If Ankara goes ahead with the Russian deal, Turkey also could face US sanctions.

A Turkish foreign ministry official said on Thursday that Ankara's position had not changed. "Our position on this matter is evident," the official said.

Erdogan impasse

Despite US hopes that Turkey may still forgo the S-400, experts say Erdogan may have already backed himself into a rhetorical corner. He has repeatedly said he would not reverse course on the S-400, saying earlier in March: "Nobody should ask us to lick up what we spat."

A decision to drop Turkey from the F-35 program would have broader repercussions, since Ankara helps manufacture parts for the aircraft, including components of the landing gear, cockpit displays and aircraft engines.

Wheelbarger acknowledged that the Pentagon, in light of the standoff, was looking "across the board" at potential alternate suppliers for F-35 parts, including in other NATO countries.

"It's prudent program planning...to ensure that you have stability in your supply chain," she said, without speculating that Turkey might be dropped from the program.

Washington has sought to persuade Turkey to purchase the American-made Raytheon Co Patriot defence system, instead of S-400s. Erdogan has said that Turkey was still open to buying Patriot systems from the United States but only if the conditions are suitable.

Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon said that in addition to the Patriot air defence system, the American offer "includes significant government-to-government cooperation on advanced system development."

Although Turkey has held out the prospect of buying both the S-400 and the Patriot system, the United States has warned Turkey it will take its offer of Patriots off the table unless it changes course.

A Turkish S-400 purchase could also trigger a fight with the US Congress, which has already blocked all major arms sales to Ankara while the S-400 deal is pending.

Lawmakers could renew attempts to introduce legislation that would legally prohibit the Trump administration from allowing Turkey to have the F-35 if it secures the S-400s.

Fears over renewed tensions with Washington reversed some of the Turkish lira's overnight gains. The currency had firmed to 5.4160 against the dollar late on Wednesday after a US&nbsp;Federal Reserve policy decision, but it eased back to 5.4553 on Thursday due in part to the Reuters report, analysts said.

The United States could soon freeze preparations for delivering F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, officials told Reuters, in what would be the strongest signal yet by Washington that Ankara cannot have both the advanced aircraft and Russia's S-400 air defence system.

The United States could soon freeze preparations for delivering F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, officials told Reuters, in what would be the strongest signal yet by Washington that Ankara cannot have both the advanced aircraft and Russia's S-400 air defence system. The United States is nearing an inflection point in a years-long standoff with Turkey, a NATO ally, after so far failing to sway President Tayyip Erdogan that buying a Russian air defence system would compromise the security of F-35 aircraft. "The S-400 is a computer. The F-35 is a computer. You don't hook your computer to your adversary's computer and that's basically what we would be doing," Katie Wheelbarger, acting assistant secretary of defence for international security affairs, told Reuters. While no decision has been made yet, US officials confirmed that Washington was considering halting steps now underway to ready Turkey to receive the F-35, which is built by Lockheed Martin Corp. "There (are) decisions that come up constantly about things being delivered in anticipation of them eventually taking custody of the planes," said Wheelbarger. "So there's a lot of things in train that can be paused to send signals to them (that we're serious)," she added, without detailing those steps. However, another US official said one of the measures the United States was looking at was alternatives to an engine depot in Turkey, without giving more details. The official said any potential alternatives would likely be somewhere in Western Europe. Turkey is home to an F-35 engine overhaul depot in the western city of Eskisehir. Asked about the Reuters report, the top US military officer said on Thursday he was hopeful that Washington would find a way to resolve the dispute with Turkey over the S-400 but cautioned: "It is a tough issue." "Both the executive branch of our government and legislative branch of our government are going to have a hard time reconciling the presence of the S-400 and the most advanced fighter aircraft that we have, the F-35," General Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during an event. If Turkey was removed from the F-35 program, it would be the most serious crisis in the relationship between the two allies in decades, according to Bulent Aliriza, director of the Turkey project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The strains on ties between Washington and Ankara already extend beyond the F-35 to include strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US consular staff. "This (the F-35 standoff) is really a symptom, not a cause of the problem between the two countries," Aliriza said. Many US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, worry that Turkey is drifting away from NATO and watch improving relations between Ankara and Moscow with concern. The prospect of Russian contractors or officials on Turkish bases that also are home to the F-35 is unfathomable to many US officials. The tensions could further escalate. If Ankara goes ahead with the Russian deal, Turkey also could face US sanctions. A Turkish foreign ministry official said on Thursday that Ankara's position had not changed. "Our position on this matter is evident," the official said. Erdogan impasse Despite US hopes that Turkey may still forgo the S-400, experts say Erdogan may have already backed himself into a rhetorical corner. He has repeatedly said he would not reverse course on the S-400, saying earlier in March: "Nobody should ask us to lick up what we spat." A decision to drop Turkey from the F-35 program would have broader repercussions, since Ankara helps manufacture parts for the aircraft, including components of the landing gear, cockpit displays and aircraft engines. Wheelbarger acknowledged that the Pentagon, in light of the standoff, was looking "across the board" at potential alternate suppliers for F-35 parts, including in other NATO countries. "It's prudent program planning...to ensure that you have stability in your supply chain," she said, without speculating that Turkey might be dropped from the program. Washington has sought to persuade Turkey to purchase the American-made Raytheon Co Patriot defence system, instead of S-400s. Erdogan has said that Turkey was still open to buying Patriot systems from the United States but only if the conditions are suitable. Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon said that in addition to the Patriot air defence system, the American offer "includes significant government-to-government cooperation on advanced system development." Although Turkey has held out the prospect of buying both the S-400 and the Patriot system, the United States has warned Turkey it will take its offer of Patriots off the table unless it changes course. A Turkish S-400 purchase could also trigger a fight with the US Congress, which has already blocked all major arms sales to Ankara while the S-400 deal is pending. Lawmakers could renew attempts to introduce legislation that would legally prohibit the Trump administration from allowing Turkey to have the F-35 if it secures the S-400s. Fears over renewed tensions with Washington reversed some of the Turkish lira's overnight gains. The currency had firmed to 5.4160 against the dollar late on Wednesday after a US Federal Reserve policy decision, but it eased back to 5.4553 on Thursday due in part to the Reuters report, analysts said.

May soon pause preparations for delivering F-35 jets to Turkey: US official

Singapore plans to buy an initial four F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin Corp, with an option to purchase eight more, as it looks to replace its ageing F-16 fleet, the city-state's defence minister said on Friday.

Ng Eng Hen said in parliament that the ministry of defence will issue a letter of request (LOR) to the United States for the purchase, which must be approved by the U.S. Congress.

With Southeast Asia's largest defence budget, the wealthy city-state is a key prize for global arms companies as it looks to invest in new technology and upgrade its equipment.

"Our LOR will request an initial acquisition of four F-35s, with the option of a subsequent eight if we decide to proceed," Ng said. "Singapore has the endorsement of both the U.S. Administration and the Department of Defense for our proposed purchase of F-35s, but the Congress must still approve it."

Ng added it was an "opportune time" for Singapore to put in the request because the price of F-35s - which ranges from $90 million to $115 million - has been steadily falling amid high demand from the United States and ten other countries, including Britain, Italy, Australia, Japan and South Korea.

A Lockheed executive told Reuters a year earlier that talks with Singapore had centered on the F-35B version short take-off and landing variant that is "a nice fit for a smaller land-constrained environment".

Lockheed did not respond to a request for comment on Friday.

Singapore's fleet of around 60 F-16 jets, which first entered service in 1998, will be retired soon after 2030.

Singapore plans to buy an initial four F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin Corp, with an option to purchase eight more, as it looks to replace its ageing F-16 fleet, the city-state's defence minister said on Friday.

Singapore plans to buy an initial four F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin Corp, with an option to purchase eight more, as it looks to replace its ageing F-16 fleet, the city-state's defence minister said on Friday. Ng Eng Hen said in parliament that the ministry of defence will issue a letter of request (LOR) to the United States for the purchase, which must be approved by the U.S. Congress. With Southeast Asia's largest defence budget, the wealthy city-state is a key prize for global arms companies as it looks to invest in new technology and upgrade its equipment. "Our LOR will request an initial acquisition of four F-35s, with the option of a subsequent eight if we decide to proceed," Ng said. "Singapore has the endorsement of both the U.S. Administration and the Department of Defense for our proposed purchase of F-35s, but the Congress must still approve it." Ng added it was an "opportune time" for Singapore to put in the request because the price of F-35s - which ranges from $90 million to $115 million - has been steadily falling amid high demand from the United States and ten other countries, including Britain, Italy, Australia, Japan and South Korea. A Lockheed executive told Reuters a year earlier that talks with Singapore had centered on the F-35B version short take-off and landing variant that is "a nice fit for a smaller land-constrained environment". Lockheed did not respond to a request for comment on Friday. Singapore's fleet of around 60 F-16 jets, which first entered service in 1998, will be retired soon after 2030.

Singapore plans to buy four F-35 jets, with option to buy 8 more

The United States used an F-35 jet against a Taliban target in Afghanistan earlier on Thursday, marking the first US combat use of the stealthy plane, a US official said.

The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the F-35B jet took off from the USS Essex amphibious assault ship in the Arabian Sea.

The F-35, made by Lockheed Martin Co, comes in three variants - the F-35A conventional take-off and landing model, the F-35B, a short take-off/vertical landing version, and the F-35C, used aboard aircraft carriers.

In May, Israel became the first country to use the US-made F-35 stealth fighter in combat.

The United States and 10 partner nations are aiming to grow the F-35 fleet to more than 3,000 jets and bring the unit price of the F-35A closer to $80 million in 2020 through efficiencies gained by ordering in larger quantifies.

Lockheed is the prime contractor for the jet. Its partners include Northrop Grumman Corp, United Technologies Corp's Pratt &amp; Whitney and BAE Systems Plc.

The United States used an F-35 jet against a Taliban target in Afghanistan earlier on Thursday, marking the first US combat use of the stealthy plane, a US official said.

The United States used an F-35 jet against a Taliban target in Afghanistan earlier on Thursday, marking the first US combat use of the stealthy plane, a US official said. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the F-35B jet took off from the USS Essex amphibious assault ship in the Arabian Sea. The F-35, made by Lockheed Martin Co, comes in three variants - the F-35A conventional take-off and landing model, the F-35B, a short take-off/vertical landing version, and the F-35C, used aboard aircraft carriers. In May, Israel became the first country to use the US-made F-35 stealth fighter in combat. The United States and 10 partner nations are aiming to grow the F-35 fleet to more than 3,000 jets and bring the unit price of the F-35A closer to $80 million in 2020 through efficiencies gained by ordering in larger quantifies. Lockheed is the prime contractor for the jet. Its partners include Northrop Grumman Corp, United Technologies Corp's Pratt & Whitney and BAE Systems Plc.

Lockheed F-35 jet used by US in combat for first time in Afghanistan: Report

South Korea and the United States launched their largest-ever joint aerial drills on Monday, officials said, a week after North Korea said it had tested its most advanced missile as part of a weapons program that has raised global tensions.

The annual U.S.-South Korean drill, called Vigilant Ace, will run until Friday, with six F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to be deployed among the more than 230 aircraft taking part. The exercises have been condemned as a provocation by the isolated North.

F-35 fighters will also join the drill, which will also include the largest number of 5th generation fighters to take part, according to a South Korea-based U.S. Air Force spokesman.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-north-korean-leadership-will-be-utterly-destroyed-in-case-of-war-25470" target="_blank">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-north-korean-leadership-will-be-utterly-destroyed-in-case-of-war-25470" target="_blank"> warns North Korean leadership will be &#39;utterly destroyed&#39; if war breaks out</a>

Around 12,000 U.S. service members, including from the Marines and Navy, will join South Korean troops. Aircraft taking part will be flown from eight U.S. and South Korean military installations.

South Korean media reports said B-1B Lancer bombers could join the exercise this week. The U.S. Air Force spokesman could not confirm the reports.

The joint exercise is designed to enhance readiness and operational capability and to ensure peace and security on the Korean peninsula, the U.S. military had said before the drills began.

The drills come a week after North Korea said it had tested its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile ever in defiance of international sanctions and condemnation.

Pyongyang blamed U.S. President Donald Trump for raising tensions and warned at the weekend the Vigilant Ace exercise was pushing tensions on the Korean peninsula towards &ldquo;a flare-up&rdquo;, according to North Korean state media.

North Korea&rsquo;s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country called Trump &ldquo;insane&rdquo; on Sunday and said the drill would &ldquo;push the already acute situation on the Korean peninsula to the brink of nuclear war&rdquo;.

The North&rsquo;s KCNA state news agency, citing a foreign ministry spokesman, also said on Saturday the Trump administration was &ldquo;begging for nuclear war by staging an extremely dangerous nuclear gamble on the Korean peninsula&rdquo;.

North Korea regularly uses its state media to threaten the United States and its allies.

South Korea and the United States launched their largest-ever joint aerial drills on Monday, officials said, a week after North Korea said it had tested its most advanced missile as part of a weapons program that has raised global tensions. The annual U.S.-South Korean drill, called Vigilant Ace, will run until Friday, with six F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to be deployed among the more than 230 aircraft taking part. The exercises have been condemned as a provocation by the isolated North. F-35 fighters will also join the drill, which will also include the largest number of 5th generation fighters to take part, according to a South Korea-based U.S. Air Force spokesman. Also read: US warns North Korean leadership will be 'utterly destroyed' if war breaks out Around 12,000 U.S. service members, including from the Marines and Navy, will join South Korean troops. Aircraft taking part will be flown from eight U.S. and South Korean military installations. South Korean media reports said B-1B Lancer bombers could join the exercise this week. The U.S. Air Force spokesman could not confirm the reports. The joint exercise is designed to enhance readiness and operational capability and to ensure peace and security on the Korean peninsula, the U.S. military had said before the drills began. The drills come a week after North Korea said it had tested its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile ever in defiance of international sanctions and condemnation. Pyongyang blamed U.S. President Donald Trump for raising tensions and warned at the weekend the Vigilant Ace exercise was pushing tensions on the Korean peninsula towards “a flare-up”, according to North Korean state media. North Korea’s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country called Trump “insane” on Sunday and said the drill would “push the already acute situation on the Korean peninsula to the brink of nuclear war”. The North’s KCNA state news agency, citing a foreign ministry spokesman, also said on Saturday the Trump administration was “begging for nuclear war by staging an extremely dangerous nuclear gamble on the Korean peninsula”. North Korea regularly uses its state media to threaten the United States and its allies.

Week after North Korea missile test, US & South Korea kick off largest air exercise

Sensitive data about Australia&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-in-talks-with-india-to-sell-mig-35-fighter-jet-top-official-18205" target="_blank">F-35 stealth fighter</a> and P-8 surveillance aircraft programmes were stolen when a defence subcontractor was hacked using a tool widely used by Chinese cybercriminals, officials said Thursday.

The 50-person aerospace engineering firm was compromised in July last year but the national cybersecurity agency, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), only became aware of the breach in November, technology website ZDNet Australia reported.

Some 30GB of &quot;sensitive data&quot; subjected to restricted access under the US government&#39;s International Traffic in Arms Regulations rules were stolen, ASD&#39;s Mitchell Clarke told a security conference Wednesday according to ZDNet.

Clarke, who worked on the case and did not name the subcontractor, said information about the F-35, the US&#39; latest generation of fighter jets, as well as the P8, an advanced submarine hunter and surveillance craft, were lifted.

Another document was a wireframe diagram of one of the Australian Navy&#39;s new ships, where a viewer could &quot;zoom in down to the captain&#39;s chair&quot;.

The hackers used a tool called &quot;China Chopper&quot; which according to security experts is widely used by Chinese actors, and had gained access via an internet-facing server, he said.

In other parts of the network, the subcontractor also used internet-facing services that still had their default passwords &quot;admin&quot; and &quot;guest&quot;.

Those brought in to assess the attack nicknamed the hacker Alf after a character on the popular Australian soap &quot;Home and Away&quot;, Clarke said. The three month period where they were unaware of the breach they dubbed &quot;Alf&#39;s Mystery Happy Fun Time&quot;.

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne told reporters in Adelaide &quot;the information they have breached is commercial&quot;.

&quot;It is not classified and it is not dangerous in terms of the military,&quot; he said.

Pyne added that Australia was increasingly a target for cybercriminals as it was undertaking a massive Aus$50 billion (US$39 billion) submarine project which he described as the world&#39;s largest.

The nation has also committed to buying 72 F-35A aircraft for Aus$17 billion.

He would not comment who might be behind the breach, only stating that the government was spending billions of dollars on cybersecurity.

Western governments have long accused hackers in China of plundering industrial, corporate and military secrets.

The revelations came just days after Assistant Minister for Cyber Security Dan Tehan said there were 47,000 cyber incidents in the last 12 months, a 15 percent jump from the previous year.

A key worry was 734 attacks that hit private sector national interest and critical infrastructure providers during the period, Tehan said.

Last year, the government&#39;s Cyber Security Centre revealed that foreign spies installed malicious software on the Bureau of Meteorology&#39;s system and stole an unknown number of documents.

A defence subcontractor was hacked with a tool widely used by Chinese cybercriminals

Sensitive data about Australia's F-35 stealth fighter and P-8 surveillance aircraft programmes were stolen when a defence subcontractor was hacked using a tool widely used by Chinese cybercriminals, officials said Thursday. The 50-person aerospace engineering firm was compromised in July last year but the national cybersecurity agency, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), only became aware of the breach in November, technology website ZDNet Australia reported. Some 30GB of "sensitive data" subjected to restricted access under the US government's International Traffic in Arms Regulations rules were stolen, ASD's Mitchell Clarke told a security conference Wednesday according to ZDNet. Clarke, who worked on the case and did not name the subcontractor, said information about the F-35, the US' latest generation of fighter jets, as well as the P8, an advanced submarine hunter and surveillance craft, were lifted. Another document was a wireframe diagram of one of the Australian Navy's new ships, where a viewer could "zoom in down to the captain's chair". The hackers used a tool called "China Chopper" which according to security experts is widely used by Chinese actors, and had gained access via an internet-facing server, he said. In other parts of the network, the subcontractor also used internet-facing services that still had their default passwords "admin" and "guest". Those brought in to assess the attack nicknamed the hacker Alf after a character on the popular Australian soap "Home and Away", Clarke said. The three month period where they were unaware of the breach they dubbed "Alf's Mystery Happy Fun Time". Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne told reporters in Adelaide "the information they have breached is commercial". "It is not classified and it is not dangerous in terms of the military," he said. Pyne added that Australia was increasingly a target for cybercriminals as it was undertaking a massive Aus$50 billion (US$39 billion) submarine project which he described as the world's largest. The nation has also committed to buying 72 F-35A aircraft for Aus$17 billion. He would not comment who might be behind the breach, only stating that the government was spending billions of dollars on cybersecurity. Western governments have long accused hackers in China of plundering industrial, corporate and military secrets. The revelations came just days after Assistant Minister for Cyber Security Dan Tehan said there were 47,000 cyber incidents in the last 12 months, a 15 percent jump from the previous year. A key worry was 734 attacks that hit private sector national interest and critical infrastructure providers during the period, Tehan said. Last year, the government's Cyber Security Centre revealed that foreign spies installed malicious software on the Bureau of Meteorology's system and stole an unknown number of documents.

Sensitive data on Australia's F-35 stealth fighter stolen in hack

The chief executive of Lockheed Martin Corp told President-elect Donald Trump on Friday that she was committed to driving down the cost of the company&#39;s F-35 fighter jet, a day after Trump took aim at the cost of the F-35 in a Twitter post.

CEO Marillyn Hewson said she spoke with Trump on Friday afternoon and assured him that she had heard his message &quot;loud and clear&quot; about reducing the cost of the F-35.

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<h5>Based on the tremendous cost and cost overruns of the Lockheed Martin F-35, I have asked Boeing to price out a comparable F-18 Super Hornet!&#39; Trump said</h5>
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Trump, in a tweet posted late on Thursday, suggested that an older aircraft made by rival aerospace company Boeing Co could offer a cheaper alternative to the F-35.

&quot;Based on the tremendous cost and cost overruns of the Lockheed Martin F-35, I have asked Boeing to price out a comparable F-18 Super Hornet!&quot; Trump said.

Hewson, in a statement posted on Twitter, said she had had &quot;a very good conversation&quot; with Trump on Friday.

&quot;I gave him my personal commitment to drive the cost down aggressively,&quot; she said in the statement.

Lockheed shares closed down 1.3 per cent on Friday, nearing their lowest levels since the Nov. 8 election. They were the biggest drag on a basket of defense-related stocks. Boeing&#39;s stock ended near the unchanged mark.

Trump had met with the chief executives of both Lockheed and Boeing on Wednesday.

Boeing&#39;s F-18 is an older generation aircraft that lacks the stealth capabilities of the F-35.

One US&nbsp;official said it was impossible to tell what Trump meant by his tweet, given the importance of stealth technology as a way to counter advanced defenses of near-peer states, like Russia or China.

&quot;Somebody needs to ask Donald Trump how he&#39;s going to be able to confront China without aircraft capable of penetrating anti-access and area denial systems, including air defenses,&quot; the official said.

Most defence analysts do not consider the two jets as comparable aircraft.

&quot;Impractical if not irrational,&quot; Richard Safran, a defense analyst at Buckingham Research, said by email. &quot;First, the F/A-18 is a carrier-based naval fighter. Certainly it could not meet the U.S. Marine Corps need for vertical lift. It would not be suitable for the Air Force either - the extra weight of a carrier fighter makes it less than ideal for the Air Force.&quot;

&quot;Unless the rules of physics have changed, you cannot make a non-stealthy, two-engined, carrier-based aircraft from the 1980s into a single-engine, multi-role stealthy fighter from the 2000s,&quot; Vertical Research Partners analysts wrote in a note on Friday.

Still, Trump&#39;s dissatisfaction with the program, which has been dogged by problems while costs have escalated to an estimated $379 billion, is a clear risk for Lockheed. The F-35 program is a critical sales generator for the company, accounting for 20 per cent of last year&#39;s total revenue of $46.1 billion.

The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

Boeing spokesman Todd Blecher said on Thursday in an email that the company was committed to providing the capability and affordability to meet national security needs.

On Wednesday, Trump met the CEOs of Lockheed and Boeing at his resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg told reporters there that he had guaranteed costs would not get out of control for a replacement to Air Force One, the presidential plane, another project Trump calls too expensive.

Trump told reporters he wanted to cut the F-35 program&#39;s costs.

Trump&#39;s jockeying for leverage via his Twitter account is likely to be a hurdle for all US&nbsp;defense contractors, Roman Schweizer, aerospace and defense analyst at Cowen &amp; Co, wrote in a client note on Thursday.

Trump unleashed his tirade about the hefty cost for US&nbsp;aircraft earlier this month, first lashing out at Boeing over the cost of replacement Air Force One presidential planes and days later at Lockheed over the F-35.

Since Trump&#39;s first tweet about Air Force One on December 6, Lockheed shares have slumped around 6.4 percent, costing its shareholders collectively about $5 billion in lost market value.

&quot;We have no idea how this plays out but believe &#39;Twitter risk&#39; for defense companies could be a significant issue over the next four years,&quot; Cowen&#39;s Schweizer wrote. &quot;This is Lockheed Martin&#39;s time in the barrel.&quot;

(Reuters)

Marillyn Hewson said she spoke with Trump on Friday, assured him she had heard his message 'loud and clear'

The chief executive of Lockheed Martin Corp told President-elect Donald Trump on Friday that she was committed to driving down the cost of the company's F-35 fighter jet, a day after Trump took aim at the cost of the F-35 in a Twitter post. CEO Marillyn Hewson said she spoke with Trump on Friday afternoon and assured him that she had heard his message "loud and clear" about reducing the cost of the F-35. Based on the tremendous cost and cost overruns of the Lockheed Martin F-35, I have asked Boeing to price out a comparable F-18 Super Hornet!' Trump said × Trump, in a tweet posted late on Thursday, suggested that an older aircraft made by rival aerospace company Boeing Co could offer a cheaper alternative to the F-35. "Based on the tremendous cost and cost overruns of the Lockheed Martin F-35, I have asked Boeing to price out a comparable F-18 Super Hornet!" Trump said. Hewson, in a statement posted on Twitter, said she had had "a very good conversation" with Trump on Friday. "I gave him my personal commitment to drive the cost down aggressively," she said in the statement. Lockheed shares closed down 1.3 per cent on Friday, nearing their lowest levels since the Nov. 8 election. They were the biggest drag on a basket of defense-related stocks. Boeing's stock ended near the unchanged mark. Trump had met with the chief executives of both Lockheed and Boeing on Wednesday. Boeing's F-18 is an older generation aircraft that lacks the stealth capabilities of the F-35. One US official said it was impossible to tell what Trump meant by his tweet, given the importance of stealth technology as a way to counter advanced defenses of near-peer states, like Russia or China. "Somebody needs to ask Donald Trump how he's going to be able to confront China without aircraft capable of penetrating anti-access and area denial systems, including air defenses," the official said. Most defence analysts do not consider the two jets as comparable aircraft. "Impractical if not irrational," Richard Safran, a defense analyst at Buckingham Research, said by email. "First, the F/A-18 is a carrier-based naval fighter. Certainly it could not meet the U.S. Marine Corps need for vertical lift. It would not be suitable for the Air Force either - the extra weight of a carrier fighter makes it less than ideal for the Air Force." "Unless the rules of physics have changed, you cannot make a non-stealthy, two-engined, carrier-based aircraft from the 1980s into a single-engine, multi-role stealthy fighter from the 2000s," Vertical Research Partners analysts wrote in a note on Friday. Still, Trump's dissatisfaction with the program, which has been dogged by problems while costs have escalated to an estimated $379 billion, is a clear risk for Lockheed. The F-35 program is a critical sales generator for the company, accounting for 20 per cent of last year's total revenue of $46.1 billion. The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday. Boeing spokesman Todd Blecher said on Thursday in an email that the company was committed to providing the capability and affordability to meet national security needs. On Wednesday, Trump met the CEOs of Lockheed and Boeing at his resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg told reporters there that he had guaranteed costs would not get out of control for a replacement to Air Force One, the presidential plane, another project Trump calls too expensive. Trump told reporters he wanted to cut the F-35 program's costs. Trump's jockeying for leverage via his Twitter account is likely to be a hurdle for all US defense contractors, Roman Schweizer, aerospace and defense analyst at Cowen & Co, wrote in a client note on Thursday. Trump unleashed his tirade about the hefty cost for US aircraft earlier this month, first lashing out at Boeing over the cost of replacement Air Force One presidential planes and days later at Lockheed over the F-35. Since Trump's first tweet about Air Force One on December 6, Lockheed shares have slumped around 6.4 percent, costing its shareholders collectively about $5 billion in lost market value. "We have no idea how this plays out but believe 'Twitter risk' for defense companies could be a significant issue over the next four years," Cowen's Schweizer wrote. "This is Lockheed Martin's time in the barrel." (Reuters)

Will work to drive down cost of F-35, Lockheed CEO tells Trump

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