The US move to remove Turkey from its F-35 jet programme can be a major setback to NATO, as other world powers race to catch up on military aircraft technology.
Tensions between US and Turkey have worsened in recent months with Turkey set to begin receiving the S-400 Russian surface-to-air missile system, which the US says will jeopardise Ankara's role in the F-35 fighter jet programme.
Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan's comments came a day after the Pentagon suspended the delivery of equipment related to the F-35 fighter jet to Ankara.
US will strengthen military "like never ever before," says US President Donald Trump after signing a $716 billion defence policy bill that also temporarily halts sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
Vigilant Ace drill – involving 230 aircraft including F-22 Raptor stealth jet fighters – began on Monday, five days after the North's ICBM test.
From January through August 7, 2017, F-35 aircraft were unable to fly about 22 percent of the time due to parts shortages stemming from incomplete plans and funding.
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