US President Trump’s Expected Support for F-35 Sale to Turkey
During a visit to Ankara for a NATO summit, President Donald Trump is expected to endorse the possible sale of F-35 jets to Turkey. The move would be the most significant gesture of the Trump administration toward President Recep Tayyip Erdogan since Trump returned to office in 2025.
Key Developments
- Trump is likely to announce support for the F-35 sale while attending the NATO summit in Ankara (July 7 2026).
- US‑Turkey relations have warmed, but the 2019 purchase of the Russian S-400 remains a major obstacle.
- Congress passed a law prohibiting any F-35 sales while Turkey retains the S-400, citing security risks to US aircraft.
- Sources say a possible solution is to relocate the S-400 to a third country, though Russia’s consent is uncertain.
- Vice‑President J.D. Vance said a review is underway to verify Turkey’s compliance with US law before any sale.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly opposed the sale, warning of a shift in the Middle‑East power balance.
- The US has already notified Congress of a $700 million engine sale for Turkey’s indigenous combat jet, KAAN.
Important Facts
- In 2020, the US imposed sanctions on a major Turkish defence firm and removed Turkey from the F-35 programme.
- The current US law bars Turkey from operating the S-400 if it wishes to re‑join the F-35 programme.
- President Trump hinted at “making them very happy” when asked about gifts for Turkey.
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said there is “strong political will” to lift US sanctions, but no timetable was giv