Turkey’s 2019 purchase of Russian-made S-400 air defence systems led to its removal from the F-35 fighter jet programme. Now, US President Donald Trump has stirred up Washington with the possibility of Turkey’s return to the programme. This development has caused significant concern among regional actors such as Israel and Greece.
Trump Wants Turkey Back in the F-35 Programme
According to US-based Fox News, Trump’s team is conducting legal and technical assessments regarding the removal of sanctions imposed on Turkey due to the S-400 systems. The President reportedly wants to reintegrate Turkey into the F-35 programme and deliver the jets for which payments had already been made.
However, the US side is demanding that Turkey meet certain conditions. Specifically, it is suggested that the S-400 systems must either be completely decommissioned or relocated to a base under US control. İncirlik Air Base is among the prominent alternatives in this regard.
Trump’s warm stance on the issue reportedly came after a phone conversation with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Although similar discussions had emerged under the Biden administration, no concrete progress was achieved.
Israel on Alert: Sale of F-35s to Turkey Sparks Concern
The potential reinstatement of Turkey into the F-35 programme has triggered serious security concerns in Israel. The country is particularly troubled by Turkey’s political closeness to Hamas and its increasing military activity in Syria.
Allegedly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held multiple phone conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the matter. Israel is keen to maintain its military-technological superiority in the region, and a Turkish F-35 fleet could pose a threat to this balance.
A Turkish official commented that Israel’s efforts would likely be ineffective, stating: “No one can tell Trump not to sell aircraft. At most, Israel may ask for more jets of its own.”
Greece and Cyprus Also Concerned: Joint Lobbying Efforts Begin
The F-35 developments have not only alarmed Israel but also Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. If Turkey rejoins the F-35 fleet, the balance of power in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean could shift.
According to Greek media, Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos has reached out to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Similarly, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has held detailed discussions with Netanyahu regarding the F-35 issue.
Hakan Fidan: “$20 Billion in Defence Procurement Planned”
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has openly stated Turkey’s desire to rejoin the F-35 programme, adding that the country plans to purchase not only fighter jets but also $20 billion worth of spare parts and equipment from the US. Additionally, both the Turkish Air Force and Navy are interested in acquiring a range of American-made defence systems.
Turkey’s S-400 Decision and the Crisis with the West
Turkey’s 2017 decision to purchase S-400 air defence systems from Russia marked a turning point in its relations with NATO and the US. Washington raised concerns about the potential security and confidentiality risks of operating the S-400s alongside F-35s.
As a result, Turkey was removed from the F-35 programme and faced sanctions under the CAATSA legislation. However, Trump’s re-election could pave the way for Turkey’s return to the programme and the revival of defence industry cooperation.
