F-35 Sale Controversy
President Trump Open to Restoring F-35 Jet Sales to Türkiye Amid Israeli Objections
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Key Points
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Erdogan described Trump as taking a 'positive approach' on delivering F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, signaling a notably favorable stance in the dialogue over the deal.
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Türkiye contends that the 2019 suspension from the F-35 program violated the program's rules and has proposed forming a commission to study the issue, arguing the jets would strengthen NATO.
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Trump reiterated a hard line stance with a direct remark, telling reporters 'Nobody tells me what we should be selling' in response to Israeli objections to the possible F-35 sale.
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Ankara is described as 'not a big fan' of Israel or Netanyahu, yet the bilateral partnership with the United States is portrayed as strong and enduring.
US President Donald Trump publicly dismissed Israeli objections to selling F-35 stealth fighter jets to Türkiye, declaring "Nobody tells me what we should be selling" when pressed on Prime Minister Netanyahu's warnings, according to Middle East Monitor. Trump called Türkiye a "tremendous ally" and said he would "certainly consider" restoring the deal.
The remarks came as Netanyahu traveled to Washington for separate bilateral talks. Trump made clear Israel's opposition would not drive US arms policy, adding bluntly that "Israel can't survive without the US," per Geo.tv.
Trump Brushes Off Netanyahu's F-35 Warnings at NATO Summit
Speaking at a NATO summit held in Türkiye, Trump praised Ankara as a loyal partner that has "done a very good job" in regional matters, including Syria. He stressed his independence on defense transfers, repeating that no foreign leader could dictate US arms sales, according to Daily Sabah.
Turkish President Erdogan welcomed the tone of the exchange. He described Trump as taking a "positive approach" on delivering the jets and urged cooperation within the NATO framework, Middle East Monitor reported.
Türkiye Kicked Out of F-35 Program in 2019 Over Russian Missiles
Türkiye was suspended from the F-35 program in 2019 after it bought Russia's S-400 missile defense system. The US said the S-400 posed a security risk to the F-35's technology. Ankara was also removed as a parts manufacturer for the program.
Türkiye argues the suspension broke the program's own rules. Ankara has proposed forming a joint commission to study the issue. Turkish officials say adding F-35s to their air force would strengthen NATO's overall defense posture, according to Head Topics.
Israel Fears Advanced Jets in Hands of Unfriendly Neighbor
Israel's concern centers on geography and politics. Türkiye and Israel have had strained ties for years. Trump acknowledged Ankara is "not a big fan" of Israel or Netanyahu, yet still defended the potential sale without hesitation, per JFeed.
The F-35 is the most advanced stealth jet in the Western arsenal. Giving it to a country openly hostile to Israel worries Tel Aviv's defense planners. But Trump's comments signal he views the US-Türkiye partnership as too important to let Israeli objections block the deal.
What Comes Next for the F-35 Deal
No formal sale agreement has been announced. Trump's comments are a strong political signal, but a deal would still face US congressional review. Lawmakers have previously blocked arms transfers on national security grounds.
Türkiye's push is gaining momentum. Erdogan's public optimism and Trump's repeated dismissal of Israeli objections suggest both sides want to move forward. Whether the S-400 dispute gets resolved — or simply set aside — will likely determine the deal's fate, according to Daily Sabah.
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