Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to lift restrictions on the sale of F-35 fighter jets to India, speculation has arisen about whether a similar step will be taken for Turkey, which was removed from the F-35 program in 2021. Commenting on the issue, TurDef Editor-in-Chief Özgür Ekşi stated, “If India can acquire F-35s while possessing the S-400, then Turkey can as well.”
Trump’s Statements Spark Debate
Speaking at a press conference at the White House alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that despite India’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system, it would still be allowed to procure F-35 fighter jets. Trump stated, “Starting this year, we will increase our military sales to India by billions of dollars and permit the sale of F-35 fighter jets.”
This statement raised questions about whether the U.S. had shifted its policy regarding the S-400 issue, which was previously cited as the reason for removing Turkey from the F-35 program.
Could Turkey Rejoin the F-35 Program?
Turkey was a partner in the F-35 program, giving it the right to produce and purchase the aircraft. However, due to its purchase of the Russian S-400 system, Turkey was expelled from the program by the U.S. on April 21, 2021. The approval of F-35 sales to India has led to speculation about whether a similar decision might be made for Turkey.
Speaking to ANKA News Agency, TurDef Editor-in-Chief Özgür Ekşi commented, “The S-400 myth has collapsed. If India can acquire F-35s while possessing the S-400, then Turkey can as well. The U.S. must now provide a new justification for its stance.”
The Future of F-35s and Turkey
Ekşi noted that Turkey has a request for 40 F-35 fighter jets, stating, “In my estimation, acquiring at least 20 F-35s would be a reasonable approach. Officials have indicated that 40 are being requested, and they know best. Additionally, the question arises: could the unresolved F-16 Block 70 procurement turn into an F-35 order instead?”
A New Era in Turkey-U.S. Relations
Highlighting recent positive developments in Turkey-U.S. defense industry relations, Ekşi remarked, “Sweden’s NATO accession was part of the U.S. strategy to enhance security in the Arctic region. With Sweden’s NATO membership, U.S.-Turkey relations have also entered a phase of improvement. The F-16 issue is part of this as well. Turkey-U.S. relations in the defense sector will see a faster recovery.”
Comparing KAAN and the F-35
Addressing discussions on whether Turkey’s indigenous fighter jet KAAN is a competitor to the F-35, Ekşi stated, “KAAN and the F-35 are not aircraft with the same mission profile. KAAN is closer to the F-22, while the F-35 is distinguished by its surprise attack capability in ground operations. Therefore, one does not replace the other; rather, they can be seen as complementary assets.”
