President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will hold a critical meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on 25 September, at Trump’s invitation. On the table are the purchase of 250 Boeing passenger aircraft, next-generation F-16s, and the possible F-35 programme.
It is claimed that a historic agreement in the fields of defence and aviation could be signed between Turkey and the United States. According to international sources, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on 25 September at his invitation, will hold extensive talks in both commercial and military areas.
250 Boeing Passenger Aircraft on the Agenda
According to reports by Bloomberg and several other international sources, Turkey is considering purchasing 250 passenger aircraft from US-based Boeing. This order is said to be part of Turkish Airlines’ and the private sector’s fleet renewal and expansion plans. If realised, this purchase would mark the largest aircraft order in the history of Turkish civil aviation.
Next-Generation F-16s and Modernisation
Another key item on the agenda of the talks is the defence industry. Turkey had requested 40 F-16 Block 70 Viper fighter jets and modernisation kits for its existing 79 F-16s from the US. This package was approved in principle by the US Congress in 2024. While Ankara sees this move as strategic in terms of NATO balances, Washington considers it important for regional stability.
Is the F-35 Programme Back on the Table?
Some sources suggest that the F-35 fighter jet programme could also be discussed at the summit. Turkey was removed from the programme in 2019 due to its purchase of the S-400 system. However, it is claimed that the Trump administration is open to the idea of Turkey being reintegrated into the programme under partial conditions.
Trump–Boeing Relations and the Political Dimension
The potential deal is also drawing attention in US domestic politics. The close ties between Trump and Boeing in the past have led to comments that the process carries not only economic but also political significance.
Official Statement Awaited
So far, neither Ankara nor Washington has made an official statement. However, following the meeting on 25 September, both leaders are expected to brief the public.
