The Pentagon has cut the wires to the training program for Turkish pilots for the # F-35.
According to American media reports, 26 are Turkish pilots at Luke Air Force Base, who will no longer be able to continue the training program, in relation to concerns over Ankara's plan to purchase the Russian-made defense system # S-400 .
The lieutenant colonel Mike AndrewsDefense Department spokesman confirmed that pilots are no longer training.
"The department is aware that Luke AFB's Turkish pilots are not flying. Without a change in Turkish politics, we will continue to work closely with our Turkish ally to end their participation in the F-35 program, "he said.
The Pentagon announced last Friday that Ankara has time until July 31 to reach an agreement with Washington to cancel the purchase of the Russian missile defense system S-400.
Failing this, the United States is ready to stop Turkey from buying F-35 fighters and stop the training of its pilots. US Defense Secretary, Patrick #Shanahan, he said he will talk to the Turkish counterpart Hulusi #Akar to receive an update on Ankara's plan for the acquisition of the S-400 system: "I will have a call with Minister Akar just to be able to update each other on progress, I hope he and I can exchange opinions and get an update on what kind of progress we have made".