Ankara Steps Up Contacts with Washington for Sanctions Relief and Technology Transfer

In 2019, Turkey was subjected to US CAATSA sanctions after acquiring S-400 air defence systems from Russia and was removed from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Programme. Since then, Ankara has intensified its diplomatic efforts with Washington to have the sanctions lifted and its position in the programme reinstated.

Preparations for 40 F-35As

According to defence sources, Turkey is ready to procure 40 F-35A fighter jets if it receives approval from the United States. In addition, Turkish defence companies, which had a production capacity worth around 12 billion dollars before being excluded from the programme, are expected to be reintegrated.

Local Production and Technology Transfer Requirement

One of Ankara’s key demands is that part of the F-35 components be manufactured in Turkey. In particular, the aim is to shift production of fuselage parts, avionics systems, and engine assembly processes to Turkish defence industry facilities. If realised, this step would both strengthen Turkey’s defence industry ecosystem and mark a leap in high-tech production.

Erdoğan–Trump Summit to Play a Critical Role

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington on 26 September will be decisive for the F-35 process. While no official approval has yet been issued by the US administration, Ankara aims to achieve progress on programme membership, component production, and technology transfer.