President Donald Trump said he has not yet decided whether to allow the U.S. to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
The decision carries significant weight for transatlantic security and diplomatic relations. Turkey was previously expelled from the F-35 program during Trump’s first term, and reversing this ban could serve as a pivotal tool in repairing ties between the two nations.
Speaking during a press briefing in Washington, D.C., Trump addressed the potential for the sale. The reports regarding his comments surfaced this week, with accounts placing the briefing on Tuesday or Wednesday.
"I haven't totally made up my mind," Trump said.
If the U.S. administration decides to unblock the sale, Turkey could receive an initial delivery of six aircraft [1]. The move would address Turkey's long-standing request for advanced fighter capabilities to modernize its air force.
The F-35 program is a cornerstone of U.S. defense exports, but Turkey's previous removal from the project created a strategic gap in the region. Lifting the restrictions would mark a shift in U.S. policy toward one of its NATO allies, potentially easing tensions over regional security interests.
Trump's hesitation reflects the complexity of the deal, which involves navigating both congressional oversight and international defense protocols. While the potential for a sale exists, the president has not committed to a timeline or a final agreement.
“"I haven't totally made up my mind,"”
The potential sale of F-35s represents a strategic pivot in U.S. foreign policy. By weighing the restoration of Turkey's access to these stealth fighters, the administration is balancing the need for regional stability and NATO cohesion against the security concerns that led to Turkey's original expulsion from the program.
