The Department of Defense announced Monday that it “suspended” deliveries of F-35 fighter jet parts and manuals to Turkey over the Middle Eastern country’s decision to purchase a Russian air defense system over Washington’s objection.

The U.S. had agreed to sell 100 of its latest, fifth-generation F-35 fighters to Turkey, initially planning to deliver the first two aircraft to Turkey in June. However, top government officials repeatedly have threatened to stop the sale if Ankara did not abandon efforts to buy the Russian S-400 system.

View Comments (5)

“The United States has been clear that Turkey’s acquisition of the S-400 is unacceptable,” said acting Pentagon spokesman Charles Summers Jr., who added: “[U]ntil 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. Should Turkey procure the S-400, their continued participation in the F-35 program is at risk.”

The U.S. move came just three days after Turkey’s foreign minister said his country, a NATO ally, was committed to the deal to buy the Russian system and was discussing delivery dates…. (Read more from Samuel Chamberlain article on Fox News)