President Donald Trump is expected to signal support for the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey during his visit to an upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, according to two sources familiar with the matter. This potential shift in policy follows years of strained relations stemming from Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile system, a move that previously led to Turkey’s expulsion from the F-35 program and the imposition of US sanctions.
Why is the F-35 sale to Turkey controversial?
The primary obstacle to the sale remains the 2019 purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system. According to the sources, US lawmakers passed legislation prohibiting the transfer of F-35 technology to Turkey as long as the country retains the Russian hardware, citing concerns that the S-400 could compromise the security of US combat aircraft. While the White House and Turkish Foreign Ministry have not commented on the current status of negotiations, the administration is reportedly reviewing whether Turkey has met the necessary legal criteria to re-enter the program.
Turkey was originally a production partner in the F-35 stealth fighter program before being removed by the US government in 2020 following the S-400 procurement.
What are the proposed solutions to bypass current legal hurdles?
A potential pathway being discussed involves the transfer of the S-400 system to a third country, according to the sources. While this would theoretically resolve the conflict with US law, it remains unclear if Russia would permit such a transfer, given their end-user obligations on military hardware. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his team are currently conducting a review to determine if Turkey has complied with the requirements necessary to receive the jets.
How do regional powers view the potential deal?
The prospect of Turkey rejoining the F-35 program has drawn public criticism from Israeli leadership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a Fox News interview that he opposes the sale, warning that it could disrupt the power balance in the Middle East. Conversely, the Trump administration has already moved forward with other defense-related sales, such as the notification to Congress regarding $700 million in jet engines for Turkey’s indigenous KAAN combat aircraft, despite objections from some lawmakers.
Comparison of Diplomatic Stances
| Source/Official | Stance on F-35/Defense Sales |
|---|---|
| Donald Trump | Indicated he will do “something that will make them very happy.” |
| Benjamin Netanyahu | Opposed; cited concerns over regional power balance. |
| Hakan Fidan | Stated Erdogan and Trump share “strong political will” to remove sanctions. |
Monitor congressional notifications regarding the State Department’s foreign military sales to track how the administration navigates existing legislative blocks on Turkish defense procurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Turkey legally rejoin the F-35 program today?
No. Current US law prohibits the sale or operation of F-35s by Turkey as long as they possess the Russian S-400 system.
Has the US sold any other military equipment to Turkey recently?
Yes. The Trump administration recently notified Congress of its intent to sell over $700 million in jet engines to support Turkey’s KAAN combat jet program.
What is the main security concern cited by the US?
Congress has maintained that the S-400 system poses a direct security risk to the integrity of US-made combat aircraft, specifically the F-35.
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