During his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump made a noteworthy statement regarding the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Trump’s remarks led to renewed momentum in discussions about Ankara’s possible return to the F-35 programme.
Responding to a reporter’s question, “Will the sale of F-35s to Turkey be approved?” during the meeting, Trump said:
“We are thinking very seriously about this.”
Trump–Erdoğan Rapprochement and F-35 Debates
Trump’s statement came at a time when diplomatic rapprochement between Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has increased in recent months, and the possibility of Turkey being reintegrated into the F-35 programme has been voiced more frequently behind the scenes.
As will be recalled, Trump also delivered similarly optimistic messages during his meeting with President Erdoğan at the White House in September 2025, emphasising the dialogue between the two leaders and stating:
“We can easily reach an agreement.”
The S-400 Condition Remains on the Agenda
However, on the Washington front, the condition that the Russian-made S-400 air defence systems procured by Turkey be deactivated has long stood out as a fundamental requirement for Turkey’s return to the F-35 programme.
