Will Donald Trump Clear Turkey’s F-35 Return? Netanyahu Sounds Alarm Over ‘Power Balance’ Ahead of Erdogan Meeting

A key defence issue could take centre stage as US President Donald Trump prepares to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the NATO summit. At the heart of the discussions is Turkey’s long-standing request to rejoin the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme, a move that has already drawn strong objections from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to reports, Trump is open to discussing a possible pathway for Turkey’s return to the advanced fighter programme, although significant legal and political hurdles remain.

Trump Eyes a Defence Reset with Turkey

Turkey was removed from the F-35 programme in 2019 after purchasing the Russian-made S-400 air defence system, a decision that prompted the United States to impose sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Washington argued that operating the S-400 alongside the F-35 could compromise sensitive stealth technology and potentially expose critical military data.

Despite those concerns, relations between Washington and Ankara have shown signs of improvement in recent months. Reports suggest Trump is willing to explore options for restoring defence cooperation, including discussions on Turkey’s participation in the F-35 programme.

However, any move to lift restrictions would require approval from the US Congress, making an immediate breakthrough unlikely.

Jet Engines Also on the Agenda

Apart from the F-35 issue, discussions are also expected to cover the possible supply of F110 fighter jet engines, which Turkey hopes to use for its indigenous KAAN fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme.

The proposed engine deal would further strengthen Turkey’s ambition to become one of the few nations capable of manufacturing advanced stealth combat aircraft.

The Trump administration has already notified Congress of its intention to approve a defence sale involving aircraft engines valued at more than $700 million, signalling renewed engagement between the two NATO allies.

Netanyahu Warns Against F-35 Sale

The possibility of Turkey regaining access to the F-35 programme has raised concerns in Israel.

Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly urged Washington not to approve the transfer of F-35 fighter jets or related technologies to Turkey, arguing that such a move could alter the strategic military balance in the Middle East.

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According to Netanyahu, maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge remains essential for regional stability and aligns with long-standing US security interests.

The Israeli Prime Minister also criticised recent statements by Turkish leaders, accusing Ankara of adopting increasingly hostile rhetoric towards Israel.

Congressional Hurdles Remain

Although Trump may express support for improving defence ties with Turkey, any formal decision regarding the F-35 programme faces considerable challenges.

Existing US laws linked to the S-400 purchase remain in force, and Congress would have to approve any significant change in policy. Analysts believe lawmakers are likely to closely examine any proposal before allowing Turkey to re-enter the programme.

A High-Stakes Diplomatic Meeting

The Trump-Erdogan meeting is expected to cover a wide range of security and defence issues beyond the F-35 programme. However, the future of Turkey’s participation in one of the world’s most advanced fighter jet projects is likely to remain the most closely watched topic.

Whether Washington ultimately approves Turkey’s return or maintains existing restrictions could have far-reaching implications for NATO, regional security, and the evolving balance of power in the Middle East.