Türkiye pursues diplomatic efforts to lift CAATSA sanctions and resolve F-35 delivery: FM Fidan

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed ongoing diplomatic efforts to lift CAATSA sanctions imposed by the United States and to facilitate the delivery of six F-35 fighter jets that Türkiye has already paid for.

Speaking on CNN Turk, Fidan outlined the current status of Ankara’s engagements with U.S. officials and legal teams, emphasizing the significance of resolving these disputes through both diplomatic and legislative avenues.

Fidan stated that while Türkiye’s inclusion in CAATSA had a specific legal justification, the new U.S. administration was currently reviewing the matter. “We are working on this day and night. Legal experts in both the White House and the State Department are evaluating the issue,” he said.

He added that the process will likely require adjustments within U.S. law. “Essentially, certain things may need to be done in the law. A legal change may be necessary. At this point, I don’t want to make a definitive statement.”

Türkiye seeks delivery of six paid F-35s

Referring to Türkiye’s exclusion from the F-35 program, Fidan recalled that Türkiye had already paid for six aircraft but never received them because of the sanctions.

“Regarding CAATSA and the current F-35 program, our acquired right for now is the delivery of six F-35 jets to Türkiye. These are our earned entitlements, and they must be returned to us through ongoing diplomatic efforts. We’ve paid for them; the planes are sitting there. You’ve been caught in a legal barrier; the delivery was halted. Some of your firms were involved in production; they’ve been removed.”

“Now regaining those rights and recovering what has already been given is a process we are undertaking,” he added.

Alternatives under consideration: F-16, KAAN, Eurofighter

Türkiye is also considering its options should full re-entry into the F-35 program prove unattainable.

“The second question is, will we continue? How much will we continue? How much do we need? These are issues to be determined by several parameters, including the F-16, F-35, Türkiye’s domestically developed KAAN jet, the Eurofighter, and other global markets,” Fidan stated.

“This is a large composition. When will our indigenous aircraft become operational? What threats are indicated in the meantime? What capacity is required to bridge the gap? A geostrategic threat analysis, capacity projection, and determination of how long existing resources will sustain us—all of this, with input from the Air Force, the Ministry of National Defense, and our ministry—will be presented to the President. These discussions are ongoing,” he added.

Türkiye blocked from accessing $20B in spare parts

Fidan explained that the impact of CAATSA sanctions extends far beyond the F-35s. “Escaping CAATSA is important geopolitically and diplomatically for both countries’ legal frameworks. What we are entitled to is not only the F-35 issue. There are other projects affected by CAATSA or the psychological climate it has created. Our Presidency of Defense Industries and affiliated companies are seeking to obtain about $20 billion worth of spare parts from the U.S.”

Despite efforts to localize production, Türkiye still imports some key materials. “Although the original design belongs to us, some core components—spare parts and essential elements of developed designs, weapons, equipment, and munitions—are still sourced externally. The U.S. is among these sources.”

Ankara’s position on S-400 ‘unchanged’

Regarding the possibility of linking the lifting of CAATSA sanctions to Ankara’s S-400 missile defense system, Fidan stated, “We have no scenario on this matter. Our current position is the same and clear. We haven’t changed it. If we had changed it, the legal framework there wouldn’t need to be altered. That means the U.S. is currently working within its legal structure to find a solution to the existing problem.”

Erdogan–Trump’s relations ‘based on mutual respect’

When asked about U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks regarding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Fidan said, “Mr. Trump respects our president as a leader. He has a good relationship with him.”

Fidan added that Trump’s appreciation of Erdogan reflected “a recognition of success and admiration.” Regarding a possible meeting between the two leaders, Fidan said, “There is mutual will to meet at the earliest time that is possible and appropriate for both.”

Fidan also spoke about his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, noting that a wide range of topics was discussed. Among them was the ongoing Israeli bombing of Syria, which Fidan said should “come to an immediate end.”