ByREUTERS

JULY 7, 2026 06:43

Updated: JULY 7, 2026 10:28

President Donald Trump plans to back the possible delivery of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey while in Ankara, according to two individuals briefed on the discussions, although certain legal and legislative obstacles persist.

This step would mark the strongest signal yet from Trump, who is heading to the Turkish capital for a NATO meeting, toward President Tayyip Erdogan, a leader he often commends and views as a key partner. Relations between the nations have improved notably since Trump resumed office last year.

Even with improved relations, Turkey's 2019 purchase of Russia's S-400 defense system continues to strain ties. Washington responded by sanctioning a leading Turkish defense firm in 2020 and excluding Turkey from the F-35 program, where it had served as a manufacturing partner.

Lawmakers enacted rules barring F-35 transfers to Turkey while it keeps the S-400s, citing risks to American aircraft from the Russian equipment. US statutes currently block Turkey from using or holding the S-400 if it seeks to reenter the F-35 initiative.

One option gaining attention lately involves transferring the Russian system to another nation, though no final deal exists, per the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. It remains uncertain whether Russia would approve, given its rules on end-user commitments for arms deals.

The New York Times initially disclosed the potential F-35 move. The White House and Turkish Foreign Ministry offered no immediate replies to comment requests, nor did the US embassy in Ankara.

Trump: 'Make them very happy'

Pressed by journalists late last month about possible presents for Turkey, Trump replied that he would likely take action to please them greatly.

Alongside Trump, Vice President JD Vance noted an assessment is in progress to determine whether Turkey meets US legal standards for acquiring the F-35 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," he stated, pointing to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan remarked last week that Erdogan and Trump possess a firm resolve to lift US sanctions on Turkey, without providing a schedule.

US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack observed in December that strong leader-level relations enabled the most productive exchanges on the issue in nearly ten years.

Trump would encounter resistance domestically and internationally to such a step.

In a Monday Fox News interview, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced opposition to any US arms transfers to Turkey.

"I don't think they should be given F-35s or the engines for their fighter jets," he stated, cautioning that it might disrupt regional power dynamics in the Middle East.

The announcement follows weeks after the Trump administration informed Congress of plans to sell numerous jet engines valued over $700 million for Turkey's domestic combat aircraft project known as KAAN. Certain congressional members have voiced concerns, yet the administration proceeded with the transaction.