Trump and Erdogan Meeting: F-35 Jet Sales Back on the Table Amid U.S.–Turkey Reset

The recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reignited global debate about the future of the F-35 fighter jet program, Turkey’s role in NATO, and Washington’s wider strategy toward Russia and the Middle East.

During their high-profile talks in Washington, Trump made it clear that he is open to reconsidering the ban on F-35 sales to Turkey, a restriction that dates back to 2019. At that time, Turkey was expelled from the joint fighter jet program after it purchased Russia’s S-400 missile defense system, a move that raised alarms about security risks to the advanced stealth technology of the F-35.

By signaling a potential reversal, Trump is not only testing the waters for a possible reset in U.S.–Turkey relations, but also sending a message to Russia and America’s NATO allies. The discussions reportedly centered on two main issues: Ankara’s desire to rejoin the F-35 program and Washington’s push for Turkey to reduce its heavy dependence on Russian oil and gas imports.

Analysts point out that while Trump’s remarks represent a major diplomatic opening, the road ahead is complex. U.S. law currently restricts defense cooperation with nations operating advanced Russian systems, and Congress has long opposed giving Turkey access to F-35 technology without concrete safeguards. Critics warn that integrating the jets into Turkey’s arsenal while it still possesses the S-400 could expose sensitive U.S. military data.

From Ankara’s perspective, rejoining the F-35 program is both a matter of prestige and a strategic necessity. The Turkish Air Force faces growing challenges in modernizing its fleet, and access to the cutting-edge American fighter jet would significantly boost its capabilities. Erdogan has framed the issue as a matter of sovereignty and national defense, but he also understands that closer ties with Washington could ease Turkey’s economic pressures and diplomatic isolation.

For Trump, the meeting fits into a broader strategy of realigning U.S. foreign policy around transactional deals. By linking potential F-35 sales to Turkey’s energy purchases, the White House is seeking to weaken Moscow’s influence while strengthening NATO’s military cohesion. At the same time, the move allows Trump to present himself as a dealmaker willing to mend strained alliances without abandoning U.S. leverage.

The outcome remains uncertain. Any final agreement would require not only Erdogan’s willingness to curb Ankara’s partnership with Russia, but also Congressional approval and a rigorous security framework to protect the F-35 program. Still, the very fact that the discussion has returned to the table marks a dramatic shift from the more cautious approach of previous administrations.

In the months ahead, the negotiations will test whether Trump and Erdogan can strike a balance between ambition and reality. If successful, the deal could reshape NATO’s power dynamics, limit Russia’s reach in the region, and restore Turkey’s role as a central player in transatlantic defense. If not, it may reinforce the mistrust that has haunted U.S.–Turkey relations for over a decade.

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