Turkey F-35 Program: Erdogan Confident in US Agreement
In a significant turn of events, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed strong confidence that Turkey will be reinstated into the US F-35 program and will begin receiving the advanced stealth fighter jets as part of a new agreement with US President Donald Trump. This comes after Turkey’s expulsion from the program in 2019, which was followed by sanctions related to Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system.
Erdogan, speaking on his return from Azerbaijan and reported by Anadolu Agency, stated, “I believe that Mr. Trump will remain loyal to the agreement we made. I think the F-35s will be delivered to Turkey step-by-step during his term.” Although he did not elaborate on the specifics of the agreement, he termed it a crucial step in what he called a ‘geo-economic revolution’ for Turkey.
Military Technology and Strategic Partnership
Erdogan emphasized that the F-35 situation transcends mere military technology acquisition; it reflects the importance of a robust partnership on international platforms like NATO. This perspective underscores Turkey’s strategic interest in maintaining vital defense ties with the United States amid ongoing tensions.
The sanctions imposed on Turkey’s defense sector have significantly strained the relations between these NATO allies. However, an optimistic note was struck recently when Tom Barrack, Washington’s envoy to Ankara, indicated that the sanctions might be lifted by the end of the year. According to Barrack, both Trump and Erdogan are keen to instruct their foreign ministers to devise a solution to this issue, with the expectation that Congress would support a smart resolution.
Prospects for U.S.-Turkey Relations
In a further sign of potential thawing relations, Erdogan previously discussed with Trump the need to finalize a deal that would facilitate Turkey’s purchase of U.S. F-16 fighter jets alongside its reinstatement to the F-35 program. This engagement reflects an evolving dynamic between the two nations.
Just last month, Erdogan expressed optimism regarding the sanctions, suggesting that under Trump’s leadership, there is an increasing likelihood that they will be eased. This development could pave the way for a renewed partnership between the U.S. and Turkey, reinforcing both countries’ commitments to defense collaboration.
