Russia to steal technology of lethal US F-35 fighter jet? Turkey may deploy S-400 in…, big threat for US due to…

American interests in the Middle East could be harmed.

Ankara: The United States fears that its advanced F-35 stealth fighter jet’s technology could be stolen by the Russian S-400 defense system. America’s concern has surfaced as Turkey has decided to deploy the S-400 air defense system in Syria. In fact, Turkey has planned to deploy the most advanced air defense systems and drones to establish control over the T-4 airbase in central Syria.

This week, reports emerged that Turkey is planning to deploy both its Hisar air defense system and the Russian S-400 air defense system to strengthen its military presence in Syria. Turkey’s aim is to defend the new Syrian government as well as to stop Islamic State terrorists. However, if Turkey proceeds, it could jeopardize American interests in the Middle East.

Recently, there was an attempt to attack the T-4 airbase, hence Turkey wants to enhance security here. This airbase is located about 140 miles south of Turkey’s border and between Turkey and Israel. The airspace of Syria can be controlled quite easily from here. Middle East Eye has reported that Turkey could deploy the Hisar system along with the S-400 here. The S-400 is a Russian-made air defense system capable of targeting objects up to 250 miles or 400 km away.

The S-400 defense system is regarded as a real game-changer. Turkey purchased it from Russia in a $2.5 billion deal in 2019. This system can detect and destroy targets ranging from stealth aircraft to ballistic missiles at an altitude of 98,000 feet. Its radar can track any weapon present up to 370 miles or about 600 km away. Additionally, its missiles can strike targets at a distance of 250 miles. It is believed that if the S-400 missile system is deployed at T-4 airbase, almost all of Syria will fall within its range. Moreover, this defense system can also cover Israel, eastern Turkey, and parts of the Mediterranean.

Therefore, the United States is afraid that the system’s radar can scan the F-35’s stealth capabilities. This is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, with a radar cross-section smaller than that of a golf ball. It is capable of striking targets 700 miles or 1130 km away with precision-guided munitions. The Pentagon has argued that Russian technicians maintaining the S-400 could leak data on the F-35 to Moscow.