Following discussions at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed optimism that Türkiye could rejoin the U.S. F-35 fighter jet program. Erdoğan noted a positive stance from U.S. President Donald Trump and emphasized that Ankara is awaiting concrete actions from Washington to reflect its stated willingness.
The issue stems from Türkiye’s removal from the F-35 program in 2019 after it acquired Russia’s S-400 air defense system. The United States had expressed concerns that the Russian system posed a risk to the security of F-35 technology and its compatibility with NATO systems. This led to the imposition of sanctions on Türkiye’s defense procurement agency under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Relations between Türkiye and the United States have faced strain over the defense disagreement, with Türkiye actively seeking a resolution to return to the F-35 program. Erdoğan’s remarks underscore Ankara’s demand for a tangible shift in U.S. policy regarding its participation in the program.
As discussions continue, the outcome remains pivotal for Türkiye-U.S. defense relations. Ankara’s return to the F-35 program is seen as a critical step toward mending ties and addressing broader collaboration in defense and security matters.