US expected to send six F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, lift bans, following NATO summit - report

The United States is reportedly poised to supply Turkey with six F-35 fighter jets, a move that hinges on President Donald Trump reversing a ban previously imposed on Ankara's acquisition of the advanced aircraft. This potential transaction, cited by Turkish officials familiar with the matter, could signal a significant shift in relations between the two NATO allies.

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He's a very strong man. People do not mess with him, but he's really done a fantastic job.

Turkey had initially intended to purchase over 40 F-35 jets. However, escalating tensions between Ankara and Washington, exacerbated by issues involving Israel and Greece, led the US to halt the sale. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has actively pursued the resumption of this deal, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced concerns about supplying such advanced weaponry to Turkey.

Adding to the complexity, US lawmakers warned the Trump administration in late June about potential security risks associated with selling the F-35s. These concerns are partly linked to Turkey's deepening defense ties with Russia and its use of the Russian S-400 air defense system.

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You could tell from the moment we got off the plane. Look at the airports - they were beautiful. They built a terminal just for me to come.

Despite these concerns, President Trump offered praise for President Erdogan on the sidelines of a NATO summit, describing him as a "very strong man" who has done a "fantastic job." Trump indicated that he had not definitively decided on the F-35 sale but was weighing Erdogan's contributions as an ally. "My inclination is to say, look, he's done everything, he's helped us in so many different ways," Trump stated during a press conference.

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I haven't totally made up my mind, but my inclination is to say, look, he's done everything, he's helped us in so many different ways.

Further reports suggest Trump is expected to support the potential sale after the Ankara summit. When questioned about potential "gifts" for Turkey, Trump hinted at an action that would please Ankara. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that a review was underway to ensure Turkey's compliance with US laws regarding the F-35 acquisition, overseen by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently noted a "strong political will" between Erdogan and Trump to lift US sanctions on Turkey.

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I'm going to probably do ⁠something that will make them very happy.