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

Lead

US President Donald Trump has declared an end to all sanctions against Turkey, a move that could clear the way for the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Ankara, as reported by multiple outlets during the NATO summit in Ankara. The declaration, made alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, came as Turkey seeks to rejoin the F-35 programme and acquire additional military hardware. However, the sale faces significant legal and congressional obstacles, as well as regional concerns from Greece and Israel.

Coverage comparison

The announcement was widely covered, with outlets highlighting different aspects of the story. Dawn focused on Turkey's broader ambitions to acquire fighter jet engines for its KAAN stealth fighter project, suggesting that the F-35 dispute remains unresolved despite the sanctions lift. The Jerusalem Post reported on the expected initial transaction of six F-35s, while also noting Trump's praise for Erdogan and his uncertainty about the final deal. RFI — English emphasized the alarm the potential sale has caused in Greece and Israel, and pointed out the legal constraints imposed by the US National Defense Authorization Act.

Key Claims

• Sanctions lifted: According to a report by RFI — English, Trump declared an end to all sanctions against Turkey, citing the need to stop sanctioning friends. This move was referenced as paving the way for the F-35 sale.
• Six F-35s expected: The Jerusalem Post, citing Bloomberg News, reported that Turkey is expected to receive six F-35 jets as part of an initial transaction, contingent on Trump reversing the ban. The report attributed the information to Turkish officials.
• Legal obstacles: The Jerusalem Post also noted that the US National Defense Authorization Act prohibits the sale until Turkey relinquishes its S-400 system. Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, head of the German Marshall Fund's Ankara office, stated that the issue is a legal question, not a political one, requiring congressional approval.
• Turkey's S-400 history: Turkey acquired the Russian S-400 missile defense system in 2017, leading to US sanctions and Turkey's removal from the F-35 program, as reported by Dawn and RFI — English.
• Vance's review: The Jerusalem Post reported that US Vice President JD Vance indicated a review is underway to certify compliance with American law, potentially easing the way for the sale.
• KAAN engine deal: Dawn reported that Turkey plans to acquire dozens of F110 jet engines for its KAAN stealth fighter project, with analysts suggesting the summit may green-light the supply.

Perspectives

Turkey: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been pushing for the F-35 sale and lifting of sanctions, according to the Jerusalem Post. Turkish officials have expressed expectations of receiving six F-35s, and Defense Minister Yasar Guler has mentioned ongoing talks for additional engines.

United States: The Trump administration is signaling a willingness to improve relations with Turkey, as reported by RFI — English, but faces internal legal and congressional hurdles. Vice President Vance has indicated a review is underway to comply with US law, while US lawmakers have warned of security risks due to Turkey's ties with Russia.

Israel and Greece: Both countries have expressed concern about the F-35 sale, as reported by the Jerusalem Post and RFI — English. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that the sale would affect the regional balance of power, and analysts note a growing security dilemma between Israel and Turkey.