US President Donald Trump is expected to support the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey during a visit to Ankara, according to two sources familiar with the matter, marking what could become the most significant step yet toward restoring defence ties between Washington and Ankara despite legal and political obstacles.
The proposed move would represent Trump’s strongest show of support for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan since returning to office, as both leaders seek to deepen cooperation while attending a NATO summit in Ankara. However, congressional restrictions and existing US law remain significant hurdles to any agreement.
Turkey was removed from the F-35 stealth fighter programme in 2020 after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air defence system, prompting Washington to impose sanctions on a major Turkish defence company over concerns the Russian system could compromise the security of the advanced U.S. aircraft.
Under current US law, Turkey cannot rejoin the F-35 programme or receive the aircraft while it retains the S-400 missile system. According to sources familiar with the discussions, one proposal gaining momentum would involve transferring the Russian-made system to a third country, although no agreement has been finalised and it remains unclear whether Moscow would approve such a move under its end-user agreements.
The White House, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry and the US Embassy in Ankara did not immediately comment on the reports.
Trump has previously hinted at a possible breakthrough in US-Turkey defence relations. Speaking to reporters last month when asked whether he had any “gifts” for Turkey, the president replied, “I’m going to probably do something that will make them very happy.”
Vice President JD Vance said the administration was reviewing whether Turkey had met the legal conditions required for any transfer of the fifth-generation fighter jets.
“Pete and the entire team are reviewing this right now, because there are certain things that we have to certify have happened in order to comply with American law,” Vance said, referring to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also expressed optimism last week, saying Erdogan and Trump shared a “strong political will” to remove US sanctions imposed on Turkey, although he declined to provide a timetable.
The renewed push comes amid improving relations between the two NATO allies. In December, US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack described recent discussions between Washington and Ankara as “the most fruitful conversations we have had on this topic in nearly a decade.”
Despite the warming ties, the proposal faces opposition from both US lawmakers and regional allies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly opposed any sale of F-35 aircraft or fighter jet engines to Turkey, warning the move could alter the regional military balance.
“I don’t think they should be given F-35s or the engines for their fighter jets,” Netanyahu said during an interview, arguing the decision could “upset the power balance in the Middle East.”
The latest discussions follow the Trump administration’s recent decision to notify Congress of plans to sell jet engines valued at more than $700 million for Turkey’s indigenous KAAN fighter aircraft programme. Although some members of Congress objected to the sale, the administration proceeded with the notification, signalling a broader effort to strengthen defence cooperation with Ankara despite longstanding political sensitivities.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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