President Donald Trump indicated a willingness to restore Turkey’s access to U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jets during his visit to Ankara for a NATO summit, signaling a potential reversal of a ban imposed in 2019. The ban barred Turkey from acquiring the jets after it purchased Russian S-400 air defense systems, raising U.S. concerns over the potential compromise of the F-35’s sensitive technologies.
Trump, who arrived in Turkey on Tuesday for the NATO meeting, described Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a strong ally and suggested that granting Turkey access to the jets was under active consideration. Erdogan expressed confidence that Trump would follow through, stating that the U.S. president had promised Turkey five F-35 aircraft. Trump, however, stopped short of a full public commitment and mentioned that the administration was reviewing ways to comply with American law.
The original removal of Turkey from the F-35 program was motivated by fears that the S-400 systems could be used by Russia to collect intelligence on the stealth capabilities of the jets, undermining the security of the U.S. and NATO forces. Despite being a NATO member and hosting a U.S. military base that stores tactical nuclear weapons, Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian system strained relations with the alliance. The move cost the United States roughly half a billion dollars in sunk expenses related to Turkey’s previously purchased jets.
Officials within the Trump administration have reportedly been exploring mechanisms to resolve the impasse, including the possibility of Turkey transferring its S-400 systems to a third party or rendering them inoperable. Earlier proposals to relocate the missiles to Ukraine fell through, and current geopolitical tensions make that option unlikely. The White House has not finalized how to navigate Congressional restrictions that require certifying Turkey no longer possesses the Russian system before approving any F-35 sales.
The policy shift has faced significant skepticism, particularly in Congress and among key NATO allies. Some lawmakers, including Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have voiced opposition, citing the risks of compromising U.S. military technology and allies’ security. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also criticized the potential sale, pointing to Erdogan’s rhetoric and regional actions as reasons for concern.
The development comes amid a complex backdrop of transatlantic tensions. Trump has consistently pressured NATO members to increase defense spending and has expressed frustration with the alliance’s support during broader conflicts involving the U.S., including the war with Iran. His personal rapport with Erdogan contrasts with his often critical stance toward other NATO partners and his contentious relationship with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.
Trump’s meeting with Erdogan on Tuesday was followed by a NATO leaders’ dinner and a planned bilateral session with Zelensky on Wednesday. While Trump appeared ready to entertain Erdogan’s request, the path to reinstating Turkey in the F-35 program remains uncertain, contingent on legal and legislative hurdles in Washington as well as ongoing diplomatic negotiations.