Trump Says Türkiye Could Return to the F-35 Program
Trump Signals Possible Return of Türkiye to the F-35 Program
During the 36th NATO Summit in Ankara, United States President Donald Trump said Türkiye could once again become part of the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet program. According to Trump, Türkiye remains one of the world's leading military powers, and discussions on the future of the program have returned to the agenda.
Speaking to reporters, Trump also responded to a question about Türkiye's possible return by saying, "Why not?", a remark that quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the summit.
Although no official decision has been announced, Trump's comments are widely seen as a signal that negotiations between Washington and Ankara could resume.
Why Türkiye Left the F-35 Program
Türkiye joined the Joint Strike Fighter program as the seventh international partner and planned to purchase 100 F-35A aircraft. Ankara also considered acquiring the F-35B variant for operations aboard the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu.
Turkish defense companies manufactured hundreds of aircraft components and were an important part of the global production network.
In 2019, however, the United States removed Türkiye from the program following Ankara's purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system.
- Six aircraft already paid for by Türkiye remained in the United States.
- Turkish companies were removed from the production chain.
- All planned deliveries of F-35 aircraft were suspended.
Despite these developments, Türkiye has continued to seek reinstatement in the program and the delivery of the aircraft it had already purchased.
What Makes the F-35 Special?
The F-35 Lightning II is widely regarded as one of the most advanced combat aircraft ever developed. Military experts often describe it as a flying command and information center rather than simply a fighter jet.
Its advanced systems combine stealth technology, intelligence gathering, target detection, communications, and precision strike capabilities within a single platform.
The aircraft is designed to share real-time battlefield information with other aircraft, naval forces, and ground units, making it a key asset in modern network-centric warfare.
Three Versions of the Aircraft
- F-35A – Conventional takeoff and landing version used by most operators.
- F-35B – Short takeoff and vertical landing variant designed for amphibious assault ships and smaller aircraft carriers.
- F-35C – Carrier-based version developed for United States Navy aircraft carriers.
Advanced Technology
The F-35 can reach speeds of approximately Mach 1.6 (around 1,930 kilometers per hour) and has a combat range exceeding 2,170 kilometers with internal fuel.
One of its most distinctive features is the pilot's helmet equipped with the AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System, which provides a nearly complete 360-degree view by combining images from multiple external cameras.
The aircraft also integrates information from its radar, infrared sensors, and other onboard systems into a single tactical display, significantly improving pilot awareness.
Possible Cooperation with Turkish Drones
Defense analysts believe that if Türkiye rejoins the F-35 program, the aircraft could eventually operate alongside domestically developed unmanned combat platforms such as KIZILELMA and ANKA-3.
Such integration could allow the fighter to function as an airborne command center, coordinating operations and sharing intelligence with drones and other military assets in real time.
No Final Decision Yet
The F-35 is currently operated by the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and several other allied nations.
Trump's remarks do not represent an official decision to restore Türkiye's participation in the program. However, they indicate that Washington may be reconsidering its position and could open a new chapter in defense cooperation between the United States and Türkiye.
At present, Türkiye has not officially rejoined the F-35 program, and no formal agreement has been announced. The statements made during the NATO Summit are viewed as a political signal that future negotiations remain possible.
