Ankara, Turkey. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to support a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey during a visit to Ankara, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Legal and congressional obstacles tied to Turkey’s Russian-made S-400 air defense system have not yet been fully resolved.
Warmer ties amid unresolved dispute
The move would mark Trump’s biggest gesture yet toward Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, whom he regularly praises and regards as a close ally. Trump is traveling to Ankara to attend a NATO summit, and ties between the two countries have improved since his return to office last year.
S-400 purchase remains central obstacle
Turkey’s 2019 acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system has remained a source of tension in bilateral relations. In response, Washington imposed sanctions in 2020 on a major Turkish defense company and removed Turkey from the F-35 stealth fighter jet program, in which Ankara had also been a production partner.
Congress also passed a law barring any F-35 sales to Turkey as long as Ankara retained the S-400s, citing security risks to U.S.-made combat aircraft. Under current U.S. law, Turkey cannot operate or possess the S-400 system if it wants to rejoin the F-35 program.
Possible third-country transfer under discussion
One option that has recently gained traction is sending the Russian system to a third country, according to the sources, who requested anonymity because they were discussing sensitive matters. No agreement has yet been finalized, and it remains unclear whether Russia would accept such a move, given end-user obligations in its weapons sales.
Administration comments and pending review
The New York Times first reported the possible F-35 decision. The White House and the Turkish Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while the U.S. embassy in Ankara also did not immediately comment.
Asked by reporters late last month whether he would have any “gifts” for Turkey, Trump said, “I’m going to probably do something that will make them very happy.”
Vice President JD Vance, speaking alongside Trump, said a review was underway to determine whether Turkey had complied with U.S. laws required to receive the F-35 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,” he said, referring to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Turkey signals political support for sanctions relief
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said last week that Erdogan and Trump share a “strong political will” to remove U.S. sanctions imposed on Turkey, though no timetable was provided.
