Trump Opens the Door to F-35 Sale to Turkey: “We Don’t Sanction Our Friends,” He Tells Erdoğan

At the NATO Summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump signaled a major shift in Washington’s policy toward Turkey, saying the United States would consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Ankara and lift CAATSA sanctions. The remarks could reshape the strategic balance in the Eastern Mediterranean and mark a new chapter in US–Turkey relations.

The NATO Summit in Ankara began with a statement that could redefine the military balance in the Eastern Mediterranean. Standing alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, US President Donald Trump indicated that Washington is prepared to reconsider Turkey’s return to the F-35 fighter jet programme, from which Ankara was expelled in 2019 following its purchase of Russia’s S-400 air defence system.

“That’s a decision we’re going to make,” Trump said. “We have a very good relationship. Turkey has been more loyal than many countries. The F-35 is the best aircraft in the world, and it’s certainly something we will consider.”

Trump’s Key Messages

Trump left little doubt that he intends to reset relations with Ankara, repeatedly emphasizing his personal rapport with Erdoğan.

“I came to this summit because of my relationship with President Erdoğan. We’re great friends.”

His strongest remarks concerned the CAATSA sanctions, imposed on Turkey over its acquisition of the Russian S-400 system.

“We’re going to lift the sanctions. It’s time. We don’t want to sanction our friends.”

The statement is widely seen as a major policy shift that could remove the primary legal obstacle preventing renewed defence cooperation between Washington and Ankara.

On the F-35 programme itself, Trump again struck an optimistic tone.

“It’s a great airplane—the best by far—and it’s certainly something we will consider.”

He also praised Turkey’s strategic role within NATO.

“Turkey has a very strong leader. It has a very strong military. It’s a very powerful country.”

A Warm Welcome in Ankara

Trump received an exceptionally warm welcome upon arriving in Ankara. Erdoğan personally greeted him at Etimesgut Air Base before accompanying him to the Presidential Palace, underlining the improving chemistry between the two leaders after years of strained bilateral relations.

The images of the two leaders walking together sent a strong diplomatic message that both governments are seeking to move beyond disputes over the S-400 purchase, CAATSA sanctions, and Turkey’s removal from the F-35 programme.

The S-400 Obstacle Remains

Despite the positive political atmosphere, the future of Turkey’s Russian-made S-400 missile system remains the central obstacle.

Washington expelled Turkey from the F-35 programme in 2019, arguing that operating Russian air defence systems alongside fifth-generation stealth aircraft could expose sensitive technologies to Moscow.

Several options are reportedly under discussion, including rendering the S-400s inoperable, removing key components, or transferring the systems to a third country. No final agreement has yet emerged.

Concern in Greece, Cyprus and Israel

Trump’s remarks immediately drew attention across the Eastern Mediterranean.

For Greece, Turkey’s possible return to the F-35 programme could significantly affect the regional air-power balance, particularly as Athens is moving ahead with its own F-35 acquisition.

Israel, meanwhile, has repeatedly expressed concern over strengthening Turkey’s military capabilities amid increasingly strained bilateral relations and growing geopolitical competition in the region.

Erdoğan Confident of a Positive Outcome

President Erdoğan expressed confidence that Washington is ready to move forward.

“The F-35 issue is not new for us,” he said. “We have discussed it with the United States before, and we were promised five aircraft.”

He added that he believes Trump will honour his commitment.

“President Trump always keeps his word. I believe a positive decision on the F-35 will emerge.”

Beyond F-35: Ukraine, Iran and NATO

The bilateral talks also covered the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as NATO’s future strategy.

Trump claimed he had recently spoken with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing optimism about prospects for ending the war.

“I’ve stopped eight wars, and I believe we’re going to stop the ninth.”

He also reiterated his criticism of European allies over defence spending while warning that Europe faces serious challenges on migration and energy.

“Europe is a very different place than it was twenty years ago. They’d better be careful with migration and energy, or there won’t be a Europe.”

A Defining NATO Summit

The Ankara summit is already being described as one of NATO’s most consequential gatherings in years.

Secretary General Mark Rutte has called it a “transformational summit,” highlighting unprecedented commitments by European allies to increase defence spending and launch major procurement programmes.

Against this backdrop, Turkey’s potential return to the F-35 programme is no longer merely a bilateral US–Turkey issue. It has become part of a much broader geopolitical equation involving NATO’s future, European defence, the war in Ukraine, and the evolving balance of power across the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Source: pagenews.gr