F-35 jets to be delivered to Turkey in November

By Sarp Ozer

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Thursday F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. are expected to be delivered in November.

"Despite some statements, the process of procuring F-35 jets is working fine. Our pilots and maintenance team continue training in the U.S.," Akar told reporters.

"We expect delivery of F-35s in November to [Turkey's eastern] Malatya province. Infrastructure preparations in Malatya have been completed," Akar added.

Ankara is planning to purchase 100 F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. pending congressional approval, and its pilots are currently training on the weapons platform at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

Turkish firms also supply the F-35 program with key components, including airframe structures and assemblies, and the center fuselages.

* Writing by Vakkas Dogantekin