US, Türkiye to launch technical talks on CAATSA sanctions and F-35 Program

The United States and Türkiye will reporteedly initiate technical-level discussions aimed at addressing long-standing tensions over CAATSA sanctions and Ankara’s exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program, senior diplomatic sources speaking to Reuters confirmed.

“Technical talks will be held for the resolution of existing problems,” the person added, without elaborating.

A Turkish delegation is expected to arrive in Washington next week for focused dialogue with U.S. counterparts, in a bid to overcome defense industry hurdles and reframe bilateral cooperation.

The talks will explore compliance with the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), potential exemptions, and future defense collaboration.

Recently during a weekly press briefing Turkish Ministry of Defense Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk stated that, should the CATSAA sanctions against Türkiye be lifted, there could be a renewed focus on the F-35 procurement process.

Akturk noted that they had previously stated and continue to advocate that, if the sanctions are removed, the defense cooperation between Türkiye and the United States would likely see a significant boost.

“We have been saying from the very beginning that the CATSAA sanctions are unlawful. We have repeatedly emphasized that it is not right for an allied country to impose sanctions on another allied country. We have said and are saying that if the CATSAA sanctions are lifted, we will also consider returning to the F-35 procurement process. If the CATSAA sanctions are lifted, we believe that the momentum of cooperation with the US in the defense industry and defense and security issues will increase,” MoD spokesperson said.

Background: Sanctions and F-35 removal

In 2020, the U.S. imposed sanctions under CAATSA against Türkiye’s Presidency of Defense Industries and senior officials over Ankara’s acquisition of Russia’s 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.

Fidan-Rubio meeting signals political will

The announcement of technical talks followed Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s two-day visit to Washington, where he met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

According to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source, both sides expressed their intent to lift obstacles to defense industry cooperation and to follow up on matters discussed during a recent phone call between President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The leaders reportedly emphasized a shared desire to move past recent frictions and strengthen strategic ties between the two NATO allies.

CAATSA and changing dynamics under Trump

The Trump administration’s return has shifted Washington’s posture toward Moscow and renewed Ankara’s hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough.

A Turkish official told Reuters that Trump’s reversal of Biden-era sanctions policy could make CAATSA enforcement on third parties, including Türkiye, less logical.

“If U.S. sanctions on Russia are to be lifted, it becomes illogical for CAATSA to be implemented on third countries. As much as this issue is about Türkiye-USA ties, it is also about Türkiye-Russia ties,” the official added.

During his first term, Trump delayed imposing sanctions despite pressure from U.S. lawmakers. The final decision to sanction Ankara came in late 2020. Discussions continued under former President Biden’s term, but efforts stalled over unresolved security assurances.

Sources familiar with current talks say Ankara may propose keeping the S-400 systems non-operational as a step toward resolving the impasse.

Wider strategic context

The ongoing discussions also cover regional stability in Syria and the Balkans, as well as coordination on efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Both sides reportedly emphasized the importance of de-escalation in Gaza and support for a ceasefire.

Ankara’s shift to procure 40 Block-70 F-16 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin emerged after its exclusion from the F-35 program. However, the acquisition has seen limited progress in recent months, another issue reportedly addressed during Fidan’s meetings.

The Turkish source said Fidan and Rubio also discussed head of state-level visits to be held in the coming period, without elaborating.