The possible exclusion of Turkey from the F-35 project would not have caused significant damage to the production of fighter-bombers, Reuters reported referring to US sources. 

Turkey, along with the US and seven other countries, is participating in the F-35 project, producing various parts for the fighter. At the same time, Ankara has already ordered 30 such machines from Washington. The US, however, warned Turkey that they might refuse to sell the F-35 if Ankara acquired Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems.

According to the source, Turkey can also be excluded from the F-35 project without serious consequences for this program.

Turkey reportedly produces about 800 parts for the fighter, while rejecting Turkish services initially may slow down the production of F-35s. The Pentagon declined to comment in this regard.

In November 2016, it became known that Turkey holds talks with Russia on the purchase of S-400. In September 2017, Russia confirmed the conclusion of the deal, at the same time Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced that an advance payment had already been made. The US is actively trying to prevent Turkey from buying the Russian S-400s.

On Tuesday, Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said that the US government was in favor of Turkey remaining a participant in the F-35 program and would not have completed the implementation of the contract for the acquisition of S-400s.