Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed optimism about Türkiye’s potential re-entry into the U.S. F-35 fighter jet program, following discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump. Erdoğan, speaking after the United Nations General Assembly in New York, highlighted a positive stance from Washington and emphasized the need for these discussions to result in tangible actions.
Türkiye was expelled from the F-35 program in 2019 after it acquired the Russian S-400 air defense system, which raised U.S. concerns about the security of F-35 technology and its compatibility with NATO systems. Subsequently, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Türkiye’s defense procurement agency under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
The ongoing dispute over the F-35 program has been a significant point of contention in Türkiye-U.S. defense relations. Ankara has consistently sought to resolve the issue and is eager to negotiate a return to the program. Erdoğan’s comments indicate a belief that the dialogue between the two countries could lead to a resolution.
As discussions continue, the outcome remains uncertain. However, Erdoğan’s remarks suggest a potential shift in the bilateral defense relationship, contingent on the United States following through with concrete measures to address Türkiye’s concerns.