Trump Says U.S. Will Lift Türkiye Sanctions and Resume F-35 Talks
Trump Announces End to Sanctions on Türkiye, F-35 Talks Resume
U.S. President Donald Trump announced during the NATO Summit in Ankara that the United States intends to lift sanctions imposed on Türkiye over its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system.
The announcement could reopen the path for Türkiye's return to the F-35 fighter jet program, although significant legal and political obstacles remain.
Trump stated that Washington no longer wants to impose sanctions on an allied country and expressed support for improving defense cooperation with Türkiye.
Why Were Sanctions Imposed?
The sanctions were introduced after Türkiye purchased the Russian-made S-400 air defense system in 2019. As a result, Ankara was excluded from the F-35 program and prevented from receiving aircraft it had already ordered.
The United States argued that operating the S-400 alongside the F-35 could compromise sensitive military technology.
Can Türkiye Return to the F-35 Program?
Despite Trump's announcement, experts note that lifting sanctions alone does not automatically allow F-35 deliveries.
Current U.S. legislation prohibits the transfer of F-35 aircraft while Türkiye remains in possession of the S-400 system, meaning Congressional approval will likely be required.
According to international media reports, Türkiye is considering transferring its S-400 systems to the United Arab Emirates. If implemented, such a move could remove one of the main legal barriers to restoring defense cooperation with Washington.
Regional Concerns Over a Potential Sale
The possibility of Türkiye acquiring F-35 fighter jets has drawn criticism from several regional partners.
Israeli officials have expressed concerns that the sale could alter the regional military balance, while Greece has also voiced reservations regarding Ankara's return to the program.
Analysts believe lobbying efforts in the U.S. Congress by countries opposing the deal could complicate or delay any final decision.
Türkiye Continues to Modernize Its Air Force
Alongside negotiations over the F-35, Türkiye is continuing work on its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft, KAAN, which is expected to become a key component of the country's future air force.
Even if an agreement on the F-35 is eventually reached, military experts note that deliveries, pilot training, and infrastructure preparation would likely take several years before the aircraft become operational.
The latest statements nevertheless signal a possible improvement in U.S.-Türkiye defense relations after several years of tensions surrounding the S-400 purchase and related sanctions.
