The US wants Turkey to remain in the F-35 fighter jet program, but Ankara should purchase the US Patriot missile defense system, said acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, Reuters reported.

During the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee hearing, Shanahan was asked whether the US needed Turkey in the F-35 program and he gave a positive answer. "We need Turkey to buy the Patriot,” he added.

Washington is against Turkey’s decision to purchase  the Russian S-400 air defense systems due to concerns that it could endanger the security of F-35 fighter jets. The United States must supply Turkey with about 100 fighter jets, since Turkey participated in the production program. However, Washington may soon freeze preparations for the delivery of F-35 to Turkey because of disagreements of the USA and Turkey concerning S-400.

The United States offered Turkey the Patriot missile defense system, hoping that Ankara will refuse to buy the Russian air defense systems. However, the Turkish authorities say that they do not intend to abandon the Russian systems, the delivery of which should begin by the end of the year.