Here's How F-35 Technology Would Be Compromised If Turkey Also Had the S-400 Anti-Aircraft System

US Defense News Published on Apr 6, 2019 If Turkey acquired the S-400 alongside the F-35, the technology that makes that aircraft lethal could potentially be compromised. NATO states use a tactical data link that allows military aircraft and even ships and ground troops to share their tactical pictures in near-real time. This is called Link 16. NATO aircraft also use Identification Friend or Foe systems, known as IFF, to identify friendly aircraft in the sky. An IFF and Link 16 interrogator would have to be integrated into the S-400 system to allow the Turkish F-35, with the transponder, to fly within lethal range of the S-400.