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Turkey on track to receive F-35 jets, but US blocks $1.4 billion payment

2026-07-08 18:27:29Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Turkey could receive six F-35 fighter jets from the United States if US President Donald Trump decides to lift restrictions that have prevented Ankara from purchasing these aircraft.

The initial deal would be smaller than Turkey's previous request for about 40 F-35 jets, but would constitute a significant diplomatic and military victory for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, increasing Ankara's role in the defense field within NATO.

Turkey has already paid $1.4 billion for six F-35 jets, which are currently in storage in the United States.

If sanctions on the Turkish defense industry are lifted, the aircraft could be delivered in a relatively short time, according to officials cited by Bloomberg.

The issue of F-35 aircraft is back on the table after Trump's visit to Ankara for the NATO summit and bilateral meeting with Erdogan.

The US president has signaled that he is willing to consider lifting restrictions imposed on Turkey after a years-long standoff between the two countries.

The United States excluded Turkey from the F-35 program after Ankara purchased the Russian S-400 air defense system.

Washington and other NATO allies expressed concern that using this system near F-35 aircraft could expose important technological data to Russia.

The US has demanded that Turkey give up the S-400 system as a condition for returning to the F-35 program. According to Turkish officials, Ankara is considering a compromise in which the US would have technical oversight over the Russian system, while it would be reserved for security emergencies.

However, the process to finalize the deal still faces obstacles. The US Congress has the possibility of blocking the transfer of the aircraft, while US allies in the region, such as Israel and Greece, have expressed concerns about Turkey's expansion of military capabilities.

Several US senators have expressed support for a solution that would allow Turkey to return to the F-35 program, appreciating its role as an important NATO member.

The F-35 aircraft, manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martin, are considered among the most advanced combat aircraft in the world. Currently, only Israel operates these aircraft in the Middle East.

Turkey is also working to strengthen its air defense through the project called "Steel Dome", while seeking to expand cooperation with European countries on new defense systems.

Ankara has presented itself as a key NATO ally following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, arguing that its role is essential for regional security.


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