Dunford says F-35 can't coexist in Turkey with Russian missile defense system

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford said today the Trump administration and Congress are "going to have a hard time reconciling" the presence of the Russian-made S-400 anti-aircraft missile and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in Turkey, but stopped short of saying he would recommend pausing deliveries of the aircraft.

Dunford, who spoke at the Atlantic Council in Washington, said he wanted to be "careful" when answering a question on whether he would recommend halting deliveries of the F-35 to Turkey because he envisions the continuance of a long alliance.

The general's comments follow a Reuters report that the U.S. is preparing to halt deliveries of the F-35.

Dunford said he had made 12 trips to Turkey since becoming chairman, more than any other country.

"I want to make very sure our Turkish allies remain close to us," he said. "I'm hopeful we can make it through this, but it's a tough issue."

Dunford said Turkey is aware of the U.S. position.