Trump may sell F-35s to Türkiye as Israel opposes potential deal: Report

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly evaluating the possibility of reintegrating Türkiye into the F-35 fighter jet program, according to a report by German media outlet Frankfurter Rundschau citing a U.S. official who spoke with Fox News.

The move would reverse Ankara’s 2019 exclusion following its acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems.

Reportedly, the Trump administration has directed legal and technical reviews to explore pathways to lift sanctions imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

According to sources, the delivery of F-35 jets would require Türkiye to render the S-400s inoperable, either through partial dismantling or relocation to a U.S.-controlled base, such as Incirlik Air Base in Adana.

‘We are working on it day and night’

The renewed F-35 discussion reportedly followed a phone call between Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Previous efforts under the Biden administration to resolve the issue advanced but did not conclude, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who stated, “We have had extensive discussions with the Biden administration regarding the lifting of CAATSA sanctions.”

He recently also stated that the talks with the Trump administration have gained new momentum to resolve this issue and said, “You know, there was a reason we were subject to CAATSA sanctions. Now, after the meeting between President Trump and our President, we can see that an initiative which was started during the previous administration has now gained great momentum with a renewed determination.”

“I sincerely hope that there will be progress on this matter soon; we are working on it day and night,” he added.

Regional responses to potential F-35 deal

Israel has voiced concern over the potential sale. Citing ongoing friction in southern Syria and Türkiye’s position on Gaza to Israel, officials in Tel Aviv have engaged in talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The Israeli outlet Times of Israel noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has raised the issue in multiple conversations.

A Turkish official, quoted by Middle East Eye, stated: “Netanyahu could only demand Trump to sell more F-35s to Israel, maybe doubling the amount Türkiye might buy. You cannot tell Trump not to make that sale.”

Greece and Greek Cyprus also engage diplomatically

Greece, which is planning to acquire at least 20 F-35 units, has also expressed unease over Türkiye’s possible return to the program. Greek media outlet Enikos reported that Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos has discussed the matter with his Israeli counterpart.

Recent meetings between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Netanyahu have also included F-35-related discussions.

Türkiye proposes $20B in defense procurement

Türkiye has indicated a broader interest in U.S. defense cooperation. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that rejoining the F-35 program would also include the purchase of spare parts and additional military equipment valued at approximately $20 billion.

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.”

Both the Turkish air force and navy are expected to be involved in procurement.

In a recent interview, Fidan stated: “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.

Türkiye’s S-400 purchase and F-35 program suspension

Türkiye’s 2017 agreement to purchase Russian S-400 systems triggered a sharp response from Washington. U.S. officials argued the S-400 “could compromise” security protocols and intelligence related to the F-35 platform.

In 2020, the U.S. imposed sanctions under CAATSA against the Presidency of Defense Industries and senior officials over Ankara’s acquisition of the S-400 missile defense system.

The move also led to Türkiye’s removal from the F-35 fighter jet program, where it had been a buyer and manufacturer.

Türkiye has labeled the sanctions “unjust,” arguing that its NATO membership and regional security role should shield it from such measures.

Ankara has consistently demanded reinstatement in the F-35 program or compensation for its financial contributions.

Türkiye had been a significant contributor to F-35 production and supply chains prior to the suspension. With Trump now reconsidering the restrictions, the defense relationship between the two NATO allies may be entering a new phase.