Trump Reportedly Ready to Restore Turkey’s Access to F-35 Fighter Jet Program

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to inform Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he is prepared to restore Turkey’s access to the F-35 fighter jet program, signaling a potential breakthrough in one of the most contentious issues between the two NATO allies, according to media reports.

The anticipated announcement comes ahead of Trump’s meeting with Erdogan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara. According to reports, the U.S. administration is exploring options that could allow Turkey to rejoin the F-35 program, provided legal and policy concerns surrounding Ankara’s acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system are addressed.

Turkey was removed from the multinational F-35 program in 2019 after taking delivery of the S-400 missile defense system, with Washington arguing that the Russian system posed a security risk to the stealth capabilities of the advanced fighter aircraft. The move also triggered sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Sources said Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are reviewing whether Turkey can meet the legal requirements necessary for restoring its participation in the program. Discussions have reportedly included possible arrangements involving the S-400 system, although no final decision has been announced.

Despite the administration’s apparent willingness to improve defense ties with Ankara, any move to reinstate Turkey in the F-35 program is expected to face scrutiny in the U.S. Congress, where lawmakers have consistently opposed advanced arms transfers to Turkey over security and regional concerns.