Trump Expected to Support Potential Sale of F-35 Jets to Türkiye

Turkey, Turkey Jul 8, 2026 ALN: U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to throw his support behind the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye during a visit to Ankara, two sources familiar with the matter said on Tuesday (July 7, 2026), even as legal and congressional hurdles have yet to be fully resolved. This anticipated endorsement marks a significant development in U.S.-Türkiye relations, particularly in the context of defense and military cooperation.

The move would be the biggest gesture yet from Mr. Trump—who is traveling to Ankara to attend a NATO summit—to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, whom he regularly praises and sees as a close ally. The two countries have enjoyed warmer ties since Mr. Trump returned to office last year, reversing a trend of increasing tension that characterized the previous administration. This shift in relations is particularly notable given the complex geopolitical landscape in which both nations operate.

Despite the warm relationship, Türkiye’s 2019 acquisition of the Russian S-400 Air Defence System has remained a sore spot in bilateral ties. The acquisition of the S-400, a sophisticated air defense system, raised alarms in Washington and among NATO allies due to concerns over interoperability and security risks it posed to U.S. military assets. In response to Türkiye’s purchase, Washington imposed sanctions on a major Turkish defense company in 2020 and removed Türkiye from the F-35 stealth fighter jet program, where Ankara was also a production partner. This decision not only impacted Türkiye's military capabilities but also strained its defense industry, which had invested heavily in the F-35 program and related technologies.

Congress also passed a law prohibiting any F-35 sales to Türkiye as long as Ankara retained the S-400s, stating that the Russian system posed a security risk to U.S.-made combat aircraft. Currently, U.S. law does not permit Türkiye to operate or possess the S-400 system if it wishes to rejoin the F-35 program. This legislative barrier reflects broader concerns within the U.S. regarding the implications of foreign military sales and the potential for technology transfer to adversarial nations.

One solution that has gained traction in recent weeks is to send the Russian system to a third country, although an agreement on this has yet to be sealed, according to the sources, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. It remains unclear if such a move would be accepted by Russia, which requires end-user obligations in weapons sales. The idea of transferring the S-400 to a third party underscores the complexities of international arms agreements and the geopolitical chess game that often accompanies such transactions.

The New York Times first reported the possible F-35 decision. The White House and the Turkish Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The U.S. Embassy in Ankara also did not immediately comment, indicating that discussions may still be ongoing behind closed doors.

“MAKE THEM VERY HAPPY”

When Mr. Trump was asked late last month by reporters if he would have any “gifts” for Türkiye, he stated, “I’m going to probably do something that will make them very happy.” This statement reflects the ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Türkiye, particularly in the realm of defense and military cooperation. The notion of "gifts" in diplomacy often signals a willingness to negotiate and concede on contentious issues.

Speaking alongside Mr. Trump, Vice-President J.D. Vance mentioned that a review was underway to see if Türkiye had complied with U.S. laws so that it could receive the F-35 fighter jets. “Pete and the entire team are reviewing this right now, because there are certain things that we have to certify have happened ... in order to comply with American law,” he said, referring to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. This review process is essential as it ensures that any potential sale aligns with existing legal frameworks and national security considerations.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said last week that Mr. Erdogan and Mr. Trump share a “strong political will” to remove U.S. sanctions imposed on Turkey, though they declined to lay out a timetable. This statement underscores the importance of political will in international relations, particularly in negotiations that involve sensitive defense agreements and sanctions that can affect national security and economic stability.

In December, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack noted that the warm ties between the two leaders helped facilitate “the most fruitful conversations we have had on this topic in nearly a decade.” The ambassador's remarks highlight the impact of personal relationships between leaders on diplomatic negotiations, suggesting that the rapport between Mr. Trump and Mr. Erdogan may play a crucial role in overcoming existing barriers to military cooperation.

However, Mr. Trump would face opposition to such a move both at home and abroad. In an interview on Monday (July 6, 2026) on Fox News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his opposition to any U.S. military sales to Türkiye. “I don’t think they should be given F-35s or the engines for their fighter jets,” he warned, stating that the move could “upset the power balance in the Middle East.” Netanyahu's concerns reflect the broader regional dynamics at play, particularly regarding the balance of power and security arrangements in a volatile region where military capabilities are closely monitored.

The news comes just a few weeks after the Trump administration formally notified Congress of its intention to sell dozens of jet engines worth more than $700 million for Türkiye’s first indigenous combat jet, called KAAN. Some lawmakers from the U.S. Congress have raised objections, but the administration chose to proceed with the sale regardless. This decision illustrates the administration's commitment to strengthening Türkiye's defense capabilities, despite potential pushback from Congress and international partners.

In conclusion, the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye represents a pivotal moment in U.S.-Turkish relations, with implications that extend beyond bilateral ties to encompass regional security dynamics. As both leaders navigate the complexities of international diplomacy, the outcome of these discussions will likely have lasting effects on military cooperation, geopolitical alliances, and the broader security landscape in the Middle East and beyond.