Framed as yet another significant chapter in this long-running saga, the United States has sent a new signal that it continues to evaluate moving forward with the sale of its most advanced F-35A stealth fighters to Turkiye, even in the face of Israel’s opposition to relinquishing its status as the only country in the region equipped with this type of aircraft in order to preserve its technological edge. In particular, the matter was confirmed by President Donald Trump himself during a recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, stating that it is a decision that “we are thinking about very seriously.”
In this regard, it should be recalled that Turkey has been excluded from the U.S.-led F-35 program since 2019, after sanctions were imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) following Ankara’s acquisition of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems. In fact, this issue has been highlighted for months as one of the main prerequisites Washington would demand for Turkey’s possible reintegration: getting rid of the S-400 systems or placing them under U.S. troop control prior to any delivery of the fighter. The underlying concern, as previously reported, is that Russia could gain access to sensitive information about the aircraft, whose stealth characteristics are its primary advantage.
More recently, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, even stated that the country was already taking steps to remove these systems from its inventory, thereby opening the door to the lifting of sanctions. Although Ankara invested nearly USD 1.4 billion in acquiring the S-400s, the official remarked that “I think these issues will be resolved in the next four to six months,” later answering affirmatively when asked whether he believed Turkey would part with them.
With this in mind, local analysts and diplomats involved in the negotiations suggest that the good personal relationship between President Trump and his counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could also be a key factor in finding a solution, with the F-35 program being one of several topics discussed during their meeting last September. At that time, the Turkish president stated: “I hope the F-35 issue will be resolved and the CAATSA sanctions lifted (…) We must achieve this. Our visit has ushered in a new era in Turkish-American relations and has further strengthened dialogue and friendship between us.”
It is important to note, however, that this positive dynamic contrasts sharply with the strained relationship between Israel and Turkey. In particular, President Erdoğan has taken a firm stance against the actions of Israeli forces in operations against the terrorist group Hamas, accusing them of committing genocidal acts against the population of the Gaza Strip. In addition, both countries maintain tense relations regarding the situation in Syria, a neighboring country that has been the target of Israeli airstrikes in recent months.
When questioned on this point, President Trump stated that Erdoğan is a “very good friend,” adding that “we’re not going to have any problems, nothing is going to happen.” It should also be noted that Trump has previously shown a willingness to supply F-35 fighters to other countries in the region, potentially at the expense of Israel’s technological advantage in future conflicts. As an illustrative example, reference can be made to Saudi Arabia and the recent visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington, with the aircraft emerging as a focal point after the U.S. president confirmed that fighters would be sold to Riyadh.
Modernization of Turkey’s air capabilities
Looking beyond Turkey’s potential steps toward acquiring the F-35, it is worth recalling that its Air Force has also recently welcomed confirmation from the United Kingdom regarding the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, which would reinforce a fleet currently composed primarily of F-16s. As previously reported in October, this is an operation valued at £8 billion, involving around 20 aircraft that would help keep production lines active and sustain more than 20,000 jobs within the UK. Under current timelines, these fighters would begin entering service from 2030 onward.
In addition, Ankara is also setting its sights on Typhoon fleets operated by the air forces of Oman and Qatar, which would further consolidate the platform within Turkish service. Various local reports suggest a potential purchase of 24 aircraft along with weapons packages to facilitate rapid integration, although the need to upgrade them with a new AESA radar and the capability to deploy Meteor missiles has also been mentioned.
Finally, consideration should also be given to the domestic development of the KAAN fighter, which is intended to serve as an alternative to the F-35 for the Turkish Air Force and has already been cited by Turkish officials as a factor influencing the United States’ willingness to expedite a potential sale of the Lockheed Martin-built aircraft. As early as mid-2024, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler stated before the National Assembly: “Now that they have seen our progress with KAAN, their stance seems to be changing. They are indicating that they might be willing to deliver them. We have officially resubmitted our offer to purchase the F-35.”
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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So the issue, which seems doubtful is the kaan is potentially a similar fifth/sixth generation fighter. The main issue for Israel is whether their alliance with Greece/Cyprus can contain the delusional neo ottoman desires of encircling Israel. What line of influence can be drawn in negotiation or has Turkey got leverage.
Think we shouldn’t sell anything to anyone f22 and 35 are a problem in the sky other countries shouldn’t have our anything just as bad as stolen valor in my opinion
I think American doesn’t really care about Israel security..they are more to earn irregardless. So it is better that Israel indeed must always be advanced in all aspect to defeat turkey qatar and Saudi Arabia. Imagine if all of these f35 aircrafts will simultaneously attack Israel’s military post?
Than it sucks to be Israel, shouldn’t be stealing land that isn’t theirs. As an American conservative I think we should totally cut off Israel from any funding
America has proven its support of Gods people. Certainly there are those in America who do not, but you must remember that the internet gives a large voice to small groups. Being an American citizen that supports Israel’s security 100 percent, I consider those who do not to be either enemies or fools. There are new aircraft in preparation to far surpass the abilities of the F-35. Israel will be training in those before Turkey and Saudi Arabia have received their F-35s in full.
Just a true Americans opinion.
As an American you support Israels security? Doesn’t sound very American. I’m 6th generation American and I think we should cut off israel
I can’t believe the audacity of the Israel.
Who is asking them?
Israel considering Turkey as a threat to themselves is outrageous and unreal.
Turkey is a threat and shouldn’t be in NATO. They refused US to use their airspace while engaging Libya. Refused US to attack Iraq from the north via Turkey territory. Turkey choses opposite side in Syria conflicts. Seems their allegiance is more towards Arab Nations than NATO or US.
So because Turkey didn’t want to get involved in foreign affairs and allow Israel to have more angles of attack, that makes them an enemy?! Is this the type of IQ that israel offers when evaluating issues?! This is their level of intelligence?! YIKES… I thought they were smart…
While they were building the Pratt & Whitney engines, they have already stolen the plans for the F35. body. They put a longer nose on it. Their plane might not have our stealth secrets but take a look at their newest plane.
Israel has made significant technological improvements to the 35. They were given the right to veto who gets access to their technologies
You’re hilarious, you mean the advancements we made and Israel stole because we didn’t sell those advancements in export models and bibi got butthurt that we wouldn’t give them the best version of our weapons? Israel should be cut off. Fend for yourselves
Hope US will not regret it’s decisions later
Honestly Israel has nothing to worry about if they dont attack those countries.. Iran is not liked by Americans for most part as well as Syria pretty much terrorist hotbed.. We actually have Israel influence our country and decisions alot recently. We have bombed Iran for yall to stop them from attacking you…I think we have done alot. WE Shouod of donte this for Ukraine and got inv
Since when does Israel have ANY say in what the United States does?
Since 1945
It was implied that we gave them that right.
I would not give any leverage to Turkey just to prop up export figures. And that would be exactly what is the motivation behind this: a short term economic boost that will do well at the polls in the run up to 2028. As a life long registered Independent I support the Republicans over the current clueless and chaotic Democratic Party and their merry band of idiots and publicly seeking sycophants. Having said that I find this type of collusion between governments in power and private industry generally come back to bite the party in the rump who initiated the deal. To add one more point in closing: I back Israel 1000% especially in Middle East region and I would not trust the current dictator in Turkey in any way, shape or form. He is a actor in a dangerous part of the world…,
Well said.
Why would Israel count Türkiye as a possible foe? Or, are they just hedging their bets, wanting only Israeli flyers to bring the best sleds to the potential fight? Can this be explained?
The main reason the US is with Israel is for military strategic location, the same is Taiwan, Greenland, not really because they care about their freedoms or their cause. There’s gotta be more to this deal of the fighter jets besides the $. Its just such a risk, to sell the best you have which gives you slightly the edge, to someone who is cool with the US, but their buddy isnt going to be in office for long, maybe the president after Trump, dont get along with the Arab leaders. Also to my point of view all the European countries are being punked by one person, one country. If Ukraine alone is been giving the a good fight, for the might that Russia is said to be as well as the difference of Army’s it should had been over already. I can understand the fact they want to leave Ukraine in ruins and their president surrender, but it also takes away credibility of Russias military being almighty. In my opinion..
No one ever seems to get this right Russia isn’t taking so long to beat Ukraine because it can’t go faster it’s not going faster because it’s using this ware as live training for its army in modern way of fighting that’s quite different then it has been previously so at the end of this Russia is gonna have one of the best trained army’s around. It’s a choice and a pretty smart one.
Also Isreal wouldn’t have any thing to worrie about from their neboirs if they actually behaved neighborly. And they need to figure it out cause the us is done fighting all there battles. Every one has to go up some time.