Turkey is preparing to send a delegation to Washington next week to overcome obstacles in the defense industry and reshape bilateral cooperation. The discussions will address the status of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), potential exemptions, and defense cooperation.
CAATSA Sanctions and F-35 Procurement
Recently, the spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, stated that if CAATSA sanctions are lifted, the focus could shift back to the F-35 procurement process. Aktürk emphasized that lifting the sanctions would accelerate defense cooperation between Turkey and the U.S., a stance that Turkey has reiterated multiple times. He also stressed that CAATSA sanctions are legally unjustified, stating, “It is not appropriate for one ally to impose sanctions on another ally.” Turkey has repeatedly demanded reinstatement into the F-35 program or compensation for its financial contributions.
CAATSA Sanctions and the F-35 Expulsion Process
In 2020, the U.S. imposed CAATSA sanctions on Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and senior officials due to Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system. As a result, Turkey was removed from the F-35 fighter jet program. Turkey, citing its NATO membership and regional security role, has argued that such measures are unjust and that it should be exempt from them.
Ankara has continued to demand its reinstatement in the F-35 program or reimbursement for its financial investments.
Fidan-Rubio Meeting: Political Will and Shared Aspirations
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s two-day meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio marked an important step toward resolving obstacles in defense industry cooperation. The discussions emphasized the need to strengthen strategic ties between the two NATO allies and increase high-level communication. Both leaders expressed a shared desire to move past conflicts and enhance collaboration.
Trump Era and Changing Dynamics
During the Trump administration, the implementation of CAATSA sanctions on Turkey was delayed, and the U.S. stance on Russia underwent shifts. Turkish officials argue that Trump’s reversal of Biden’s sanctions policy could render the application of CAATSA to third countries like Turkey irrational. Additionally, under Trump’s leadership, sanctions against Turkey were postponed for an extended period.
Ankara may propose a solution to the crisis by offering to keep the S-400 systems non-operational.
Ceasefire in Gaza and Regional Cooperation
The discussions also covered regional stability issues, including Syria, the Balkans, and Ukraine. Both sides emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions in Gaza and intensify efforts toward a ceasefire.
Lockheed Martin and F-16 Procurement
Following its exclusion from the F-35 program, Turkey decided to procure 40 F-16 Block-70 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. However, in recent months, progress on this acquisition has been limited. Reports indicate that Fidan’s meetings also addressed this issue.
Technical Aspects of the Discussions
The details of the upcoming discussions will be shaped by high-level visits and technical negotiations aimed at making key decisions on defense industry cooperation.
Sources suggest that these discussions will play a crucial role in resolving existing issues.
