President Donald Trump said the United States will consider resuming sales of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey during a meeting in Ankara [1].
The potential move marks a significant shift in U.S. defense policy toward a key NATO ally. Turkey was previously excluded from the F-35 program after the country purchased a Russian air-defense system [3].
Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on July 7, 2026 [1], the opening day of a two-day NATO summit [2]. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed relations between their countries, as well as the ongoing conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine [1].
"We are open to resuming the sale of F-35s to Turkey," Trump said [4].
Other reports indicate that the U.S. will consider the possibility of the sale, though a final agreement is not yet certain [5]. The shift comes as the Trump administration seeks to improve cohesion within the NATO alliance and strengthen bilateral ties with Turkey [3].
The F-35 program had been a point of contention for years. The U.S. had blocked Turkey's participation to penalize the purchase of Russian military hardware, a move that strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Trump's openness to reversing this decision suggests a prioritization of strategic partnerships over previous sanctions. The discussions in Ankara occur as the summit continues its scheduled two-day agenda [2].
“"We are open to resuming the sale of F-35s to Turkey,"”
The potential reinstatement of Turkey into the F-35 program represents a pragmatic pivot in U.S. foreign policy. By weighing the sale of advanced stealth fighters against Turkey's previous acquisition of Russian hardware, the U.S. is prioritizing the immediate stability and unity of the NATO alliance over the enforcement of long-term military sanctions.
