Trump to offer Turkey F-35 access at NATO summit, reversing earlier decision

Former U.S. President Donald Trump intends to signal to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the NATO summit in Ankara that he is prepared to reinstate Turkey's access to the F-35 fighter jet program. This move would allow Ankara to acquire the advanced American-made aircraft, according to the "New York Times."

During Trump's previous term, Turkey was expelled from the F-35 program in July 2019. This action followed Ankara's refusal to abandon its purchase of Russian S-400 Triumf air defense missile systems, despite Washington's appeals. The U.S. cited concerns that the simultaneous operation of Russian and American fifth-generation fighter jets could compromise sensitive F-35 data for Russia.

As a consequence of Trump's earlier decision, Turkey did not receive its ordered F-35 jets and lost contracts valued at approximately $9 billion, including its role in manufacturing aircraft components. Now, Trump reportedly is ready to reverse that decision. Before departing for Ankara, the U.S. president mentioned he was preparing a "gift that will make Erdoğan very happy."

Trump also indicated his attendance at the NATO summit was out of respect for President Erdoğan, despite his critical stance towards some allies who did not support the U.S. during the war with Iran. However, the "New York Times" reports that the U.S. Congress could potentially obstruct the plan to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, casting doubt on the final outcome.

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a gift that will make Erdoğan very happy