US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States will lift sanctions on Turkey and could consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Ankara, marking a major possible change in relations between the two NATO allies.
Trump made the announcement during meetings linked to the NATO summit in Ankara. He said the United States was ready to improve defence and economic ties with Turkey after years of tension over military purchases, regional policy and sanctions.
The statement immediately drew attention because Turkey was removed from the F-35 fighter jet programme several years ago after it bought the Russian-made S-400 air defence system. Washington had argued that the Russian system could create security risks for NATO technology, especially the advanced F-35 aircraft.
Turkey has repeatedly said it wants to return to the F-35 programme or receive compensation for money it had already paid. Ankara has also said it needs modern fighter jets to strengthen its air force.
Trump’s comments suggest that the issue may now move back into serious discussions between Washington and Ankara.
The announcement came at a sensitive time for NATO, as member countries are discussing defence spending, weapons production and security concerns linked to Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region.
Why Turkey Was Removed From the F-35 Programme
Turkey was once a partner in the F-35 programme and had planned to buy several of the advanced stealth fighter jets.
The F-35 is one of the world’s most advanced military aircraft. It is designed to avoid radar detection, carry modern weapons and share information quickly with other military systems.
However, the United States removed Turkey from the programme after Ankara purchased the S-400 air defence system from Russia.
US officials said operating the S-400 alongside the F-35 could expose sensitive information about the aircraft. Turkey rejected that argument and said it needed the Russian system because it could not get enough support from Western allies for its air defence needs.
The disagreement created a major problem between the two NATO members.
Turkey later focused on upgrading its existing F-16 fighter jets and developing its own defence industry, including drones, missiles and a domestically produced fighter aircraft project.
Sanctions May Be Lifted
Trump said the United States would lift sanctions on Turkey, though full details about the timing and conditions were not immediately released.
The sanctions were imposed under a US law that targets major defence deals with Russia. Turkey had faced restrictions because of its purchase of the S-400 system.
If sanctions are removed, Turkish defence companies could find it easier to work with American companies and access some military technology.
The move could also improve trade relations between the two countries.
Turkey and the United States have a long history of military cooperation through NATO. Turkey has one of the largest armed forces in the alliance and controls an important geographic position between Europe, the Middle East and the Black Sea region.
Because of its location, Turkey plays an important role in regional security, migration routes, energy pipelines and military operations.
Possible F-35 Sale Could Change Defence Relations
Trump’s suggestion that the United States may sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey is significant, but no final agreement has been announced.
Any F-35 sale would likely require detailed talks between defence officials, lawmakers and NATO partners. The United States may also seek assurances about Turkey’s use of the Russian S-400 system.
Turkey has not said whether it would remove, deactivate or limit the use of the S-400 system.
The issue remains sensitive because the F-35 programme involves several NATO countries and advanced military technology.
If Turkey is allowed to buy the aircraft again, it could strengthen its air force and improve military cooperation with the United States.
However, critics may question whether the security concerns that led to Turkey’s removal from the programme have been fully resolved.
Erdogan Seeks Stronger Ties With Washington
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been trying to improve relations with the United States while also maintaining Turkey’s independent foreign policy.
Turkey has worked with NATO allies on some issues but has also maintained ties with Russia, especially in energy, trade and regional diplomacy.
Erdogan has argued that Turkey should not be treated unfairly by its allies. He has said Ankara deserves a stronger role in defence cooperation because of its contribution to NATO security.
The possible lifting of sanctions could become an important political win for Erdogan at home.
Turkey is facing economic pressure, including inflation and high living costs. Stronger trade and defence ties with the United States could help improve investor confidence and open new opportunities for Turkish companies.
NATO Summit Brings Defence Issues Into Focus
The NATO summit in Ankara has brought together leaders from member countries to discuss major security issues.
The alliance is facing pressure to increase military spending and improve weapons production. Countries are also discussing air defence, cyber security, drones, ammunition supply and protection of sea routes.
Turkey wants to remain a key player in NATO decisions.
The country has supported Ukraine in some areas while also keeping communication open with Russia. It has also played a role in talks involving the Black Sea and regional conflicts.
Trump’s announcement shows that US-Turkey relations are becoming an important part of wider NATO discussions.
What Happens Next
The next step will be official talks between US and Turkish officials.
Both sides will need to decide what conditions apply to the lifting of sanctions and whether a possible F-35 sale can move forward.
For now, Trump’s statement has created hope in Ankara that a long-running defence dispute may finally be resolved.
If the sanctions are lifted and the F-35 talks advance, it could mark one of the biggest improvements in US-Turkey relations in recent years.