DOD: Turkish pilots begin training on F-35s, but U.S. retains 'custody' of aircraft

Pilots and maintainers from Turkey are set to begin training on the country's new F-35 fighter jets, but the U.S. government still technically owns the aircraft, according to the Pentagon, as the Senate advances a bill that would prohibit their transfer.

Turkey's first two F-35As arrived at Luke Air Force Base, AZ, recently, and Turkish pilots and maintainers have traveled there to begin training on the aircraft, Defense Department spokesman Col. Rob Manning told reporters at the Pentagon today.

Last month, Lockheed Martin held a formal hand-off ceremony for Turkey's F-35s at its facility in Fort Worth, TX.

But according to Manning, the United States still technically owns the fifth-generation fighter jets.

"Following established agreements, the U.S. government maintains custody of the aircraft until custody is transferred to the partner," Manning said. "This normally occurs after the process of partner training is complete, which is about one to two years."

Manning said the U.S. government has not yet made a determination on Turkey's participation in the program.

Meanwhile, the Senate's fiscal year 2019 defense policy bill would prohibit the transfer of F-35s to Turkey until DOD submits a report outlining steps to cut Ankara's involvement in the Joint Strike Fighter program. The provision is due to Turkey's planned purchase of the S-400 air defense system from Russia, which would violate U.S. sanctions, according to the bill.

The House's FY-19 defense policy bill would also prohibit the transfer of the aircraft until DOD submits a report on the U.S.-Turkish relationship.

DOD declined to comment on what it would do if the provisions are made law.