US President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration will soon decide on the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, despite a congressional ban, while also announcing plans to lift sanctions imposed over Ankara's acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defence system. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed optimism following bilateral talks, stating that Turkey had been promised five jets and expects a fruitful outcome.
Trump's Remarks on F-35 Sale and Sanctions
Speaking on Tuesday, Trump said, "We have a better relationship with Turkey, and Turkey has been in many ways much more loyal than other countries that we think would be loyal." He argued that many believe Turkey should be permitted to purchase the F-35 despite its possession of the Russian-made S-400 system. Calling the F-35 "the best plane by far," Trump noted that the proposed sale is "certainly something we will consider."
US officials reported that Trump is expected to signal this week his willingness to sell F-35 jets to Turkey, reversing a ban imposed during his first term and later codified into law by Congress. It remains unclear how the administration intends to overcome congressional restrictions on the sale. Trump described Turkey as an "extraordinary" ally and said the US had an obligation to honor orders already placed for the military aircraft.
Regarding sanctions tied to Turkey's procurement of the Russian S-400 system, Trump stated, "We're going to be taking the sanctions off," adding, "We don't want to sanction friends."
Erdogan's Optimism and KAAN Fighter Jet Program
Following his meeting with Trump, Erdogan indicated that Ankara believes it is close to securing a deal for F-35 jets and American-made engines for Turkey's indigenous KAAN fighter aircraft. He said Turkey had "been promised five jets" and expressed hope that the news received would be "productively tested towards the future." Erdogan remarked, "President Trump has always been a man of his word, and hopefully, with respect to the F-35, we will have a fruitful outcome and a decision from this leaders' summit."
On the KAAN fighter jet programme, Erdogan noted that Trump had conveyed encouraging signals. "President Trump has given us some good news, and I believe that he will repeat that good news again, and I think with this good news, probably, I will be thanking him during this summit," Erdogan said.
Background and Implications
The potential sale marks a significant shift in US-Turkey relations, which have been strained since Turkey's purchase of the S-400 system in 2019. The US previously removed Turkey from the F-35 program, citing security risks. If approved, the sale would require navigating congressional restrictions, including the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The decision could also impact NATO dynamics, as Turkey is a key ally. Erdogan's positive outlook reflects Ankara's desire to modernize its air force and reduce dependence on Russian systems.
