After a significant meeting with President Trump at the NATO summit, President Erdogan of Turkey is optimistic about reviving Turkey’s prospects in acquiring the F-35 fighter jets.
At a Glance
- Erdogan is optimistic about F-35 acquisition after talks with Trump.
- Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program in 2019 due to the purchase of Russian S-400 systems.
- Turkey seeks reinstatement in the program or a refund for payments made.
- Technical-level discussions have already commenced.
Erdogan’s Optimism After NATO Summit
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with U.S. President Donald Trump during a NATO summit in The Hague, discussing Turkey’s potential return to the F-35 fighter jet program. Turkey was previously ousted from the program in 2019 after acquiring Russian S-400 missile defense systems, prompting U.S. sanctions. While Erdogan acknowledges technical discussions are underway, he appears hopeful about progressing towards reinstatement in the program.
Turkey argues that its exclusion from the F-35 program is unfair. Ankara has requested payments between $1.3 to $1.4 billion be returned unless Turkey is reaccepted into the program. Erdogan is optimistic about talks with President Trump, who acknowledged Turkey’s regional contributions and expressed a desire for improved relations.
Watch report: Trump Promises Jets Back After $1.3 Billion F35 Clash with Erdogan
The Complex F-35 Situation
The U.S. removed Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019 following Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense systems, seeing it as a security threat incompatible with NATO defense systems. Sanctions imposed on Turkey in 2020 further froze its participation. Erdogan emphasized the importance of the F-35 jets for Turkey and highlighted recent discussions with Trump as promising for possible reconciliation.
Erdogan stresses that Turkey’s contributions to NATO are significant though often underappreciated. He outlined his vision for Turkey assuming greater responsibility within NATO, suggesting a shift in diplomatic alignment beneficial to both Turkish and American interests.
Turkey’s Diplomatic Role and Prospects
Beyond the F-35 discussions, Erdogan has positioned Turkey as a mediator in regional conflicts. Following his meeting with Trump, Erdogan stated satisfaction with a ceasefire between Israel and Iran and proposed facilitating a summit bringing together Trump, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey. Such initiatives underscore Turkey’s intent to strengthen its diplomatic influence.
Erdogan’s meeting with Trump represents the first significant interaction since Trump’s re-election in 2025. Their discussions reportedly covered vital topics such as defense collaboration, energy partnerships, and investments, reflecting a potential thaw in relations and complementing both countries’ strategic objectives.
