Turkey may get F-35 jets soon as Trump consider Lifting Sanctions

President Donald Trump has said his administration is considering lifting Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) sanctions on Turkey and reviewing its return to the F-35 fighter jet program. He made the announcement alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the NATO summit in Ankara, describing Turkey as an important US ally. Trump also said Washington is ready to strengthen defense cooperation after years of strained relations.

The announcement marks a significant shift in US-Turkey defense relations. Turkey was removed from the multinational F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, and the United States imposed CAATSA sanctions in 2020. If those sanctions are lifted, both countries could reopen defense cooperation. However, existing US laws and security concerns continue to stand in the way of Turkey’s return to the program.

S-400 Missile System Remains the Key Legal and Security Challenge

The biggest obstacle to Turkey’s return to the F-35 program remains its ownership of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. US officials have consistently argued that the S-400’s advanced radar could compromise the stealth capabilities of the F-35 and create security risks for the United States and NATO. As a result, Washington has explored options that include disabling, relocating, or permanently removing the missile system before approving any aircraft transfer. However, no agreement has been reached.

The proposal also faces legal restrictions in Washington. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prevents Turkey from operating both the S-400 and the F-35 at the same time. In addition, reports suggest that relocating the missile system could face contractual restrictions under Russia’s original end-user agreement. Therefore, any progress will depend on legal compliance, security guarantees, and congressional approval rather than political statements alone.

Israel Opposes the Sale While Washington Expands Strategic Cooperation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly opposed the proposed F-35 sale, warning that supplying the aircraft to Turkey could alter the military balance in the Middle East. He has argued that Turkey’s regional policies and its ties with groups such as Hamas raise serious security concerns. Netanyahu also said he personally urged President Donald Trump not to approve the transfer. However, the White House has continued to evaluate the proposal without indicating that Israel’s objections will determine the outcome.

At the same time, the Trump administration has emphasized Turkey’s strategic importance within NATO. Trump praised Ankara’s role during the NATO summit and also welcomed Turkey’s efforts to reduce tensions over Iran. Meanwhile, Washington has already notified Congress of a defense package worth more than $700 million for General Electric F110 engines to support Turkey’s indigenous KAAN fighter program. These developments suggest that the United States is pursuing a broader long-term defense partnership with Turkey, even as the future of the F-35 deal remains subject to legal, political, and security reviews.

Web Resources on Turkey May Get F-35 Jets Soon

1. CNN.com : Netanyahu tells CNN he opposes US sale of F-35 jets to Turkey as he downplays divisions with Trump.
2. Jerusalem Post.com : Trump expected to back F-35 sale to Turkey despite legal hurdles.
3. Reuters.com : Trump says he will lift Turkey sanctions, decide on selling F-35s.
4. Defense News.com : US will lift sanctions on Turkey, possibly sell F-35 fighter jets.