The US Senate has voted to block transfers of the F-35 fighter jet to Turkey, reflecting increasing tension with a key Nato ally, in a move that could ultimately hold up the sale of 100 planes worth close to $10bn.
A bipartisan clause added to the National Defense Authorisation Act — which was passed by the Senate on Monday evening by a vote of 85 to 10 — would prohibit the transfer of F-35s to Turkey until the secretary of defence submits a plan to remove Turkey from participation in the programme, which includes allocating production of parts to each country.
Turkey is one of 14 Nato member countries that help construct the stealth plane, along with the UK, Norway and Israel.