U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to support the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey during his visit to Ankara for the NATO summit, according to two sources familiar with the matter, despite unresolved legal and congressional obstacles.
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NATO Meeting Could Mark Shift in Ties
If approved, the move would represent Trump's strongest gesture yet toward Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, whom he has repeatedly praised and regards as a close ally. Relations between Washington and Ankara have improved since Trump returned to office last year.
S-400 Dispute Still Unresolved
Turkey was removed from the F-35 stealth fighter programme in 2020 after purchasing the Russian S-400 air defence system the previous year. The United States also imposed sanctions on a major Turkish defence company in response.
Congress subsequently passed legislation preventing the sale of F-35 aircraft to Turkey while it continues to possess the S-400 system, arguing that the Russian missile platform poses a security risk to the U.S.-made fighter jet. Under current U.S. law, Turkey cannot operate or retain the S-400 if it wishes to rejoin the F-35 programme.
According to the sources, one proposal that has gained momentum in recent weeks would see Turkey transfer the Russian-made system to a third country. However, no agreement has been reached, and it remains unclear whether Russia would approve such a move because its arms export agreements include end-user restrictions.
The New York Times first reported the possible F-35 decision. The White House, the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the U.S. Embassy in Ankara did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Trump Signals Possible Concession
Asked by reporters last month whether he planned any "gifts" for Turkey, Trump 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 requirements needed to qualify for the aircraft.
"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 said last week that Erdogan and Trump shared a "strong political will" to remove U.S. sanctions imposed on Turkey, although he did not provide a timetable.
In December, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said the improved relationship between the two leaders had produced "the most fruitful conversations we have had on this topic in nearly a decade."
Opposition Expected
Any attempt to restore Turkey's access to the F-35 is expected to face resistance in the United States and among regional allies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Fox News interview on Monday that he opposed selling advanced U.S. military equipment to Turkey.
"I don't think they should be given F-35s or the engines for their fighter jets," he said, arguing the move could "upset the power balance in the Middle East."
The reported plans follow the Trump administration's recent decision to notify Congress of its intention to sell more than $700 million worth of jet engines for Turkey's indigenous KAAN fighter programme. Although some lawmakers objected to the sale, the administration decided to proceed.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 July 2026