As President Trump prepares to attend this week’s NATO summit in Turkey, he faces increasing opposition from Republicans and Israeli officials regarding his reported plans to resume sales of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. This move would reverse a ban on Turkey’s involvement in the F-35 program imposed during Trump’s first term.

The president has indicated he will bring a gift bag for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to The New York Times, Trump intends to signal his intent to restart F-35 sales, though details on how he will navigate Congressional approval remain unclear.

Opposition centers on Turkey’s continued possession of Russian S-400 air defense systems. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose relations with Trump have been strained due to the Iran conflict, publicly opposed the transfer, stating on Fox News that providing F-35s or their engines to Turkey would disrupt the Middle East power balance, which relies on Israeli air superiority and U.S. posture in the region.

Vice President Vance recently noted that the Pentagon, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is reviewing the possibility of selling F-35s to Turkey, emphasizing the need to comply with U.S. law and certify certain conditions.

Even if Turkey were to remove the S-400 systems, some officials, including Sherman, would remain hesitant to approve the sale due to Turkey's occupation of Northern Cyprus and its ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Meanwhile, Turkey has significantly increased its arms exports between 2021 and 2024, becoming the 11th largest arms exporter with a 122 percent rise compared to the previous five years, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

The Trump administration has already approved the sale of F110 fighter jet engines sought by Turkey and recently concluded a major lawsuit against Halkbank, a large Turkish bank, with minimal penalties for its role in undermining U.S. sanctions on Iran.

Sources

  • The Hill
  • The New York Times (reported within The Hill article)