Trump Considering New Sale
President Donald Trump said Monday he is seriously considering approving the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, a move that would represent a major shift in U.S. defense policy and reignite debate in Washington.
Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters after meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, addressing concerns that such a deal could impact Israel’s security.
“We’re looking at it very carefully,” Trump said. “And I can promise you—they would never be used against Israel.”
The comments immediately drew attention on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers from both parties have long raised alarms about Turkey’s military ties with Russia and its reliability as a NATO partner.
Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air defense system, despite repeated warnings from U.S. officials that the system could expose sensitive stealth technology and compromise allied security. Since then, bipartisan opposition in Congress has blocked any effort to reinstate Turkey or approve a direct sale of the fifth-generation aircraft.
Members of Congress have consistently argued that Ankara must fully abandon or deactivate the Russian system before any deal can proceed.
“The United States remains in discussions with Türkiye regarding its interest in returning to the F-35 program,” U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack wrote earlier this month. “As required by U.S. law, Türkiye cannot operate or possess the S-400 system if it hopes to rejoin.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reportedly discussed the issue with Trump for months, with Turkish officials pointing to what they describe as improved relations between the two leaders.
Supporters of renewed engagement argue that Turkey remains a strategically vital NATO member, positioned at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and the Black Sea. They warn that continued exclusion from Western defense programs could push Ankara further toward Moscow.
Trump’s comments suggest a willingness to revisit the issue, though major hurdles remain. The president framed the potential sale as a matter of alliance management and strategic balance, while also emphasizing Turkey’s role in regional security.
Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern nation operating the F-35, viewing the aircraft as central to maintaining its qualitative military edge. While Netanyahu did not comment publicly on Trump’s remarks, Israeli officials have historically opposed arms sales that could threaten Israel’s air superiority.
Critics argue that assurances alone are not enough, noting that the F-35 is among the most advanced combat aircraft ever built, integrating stealth, advanced sensors, and networked warfare systems.
For now, Trump’s remarks signal intent rather than action. Any potential sale would still face substantial legal, political, and technical barriers, including congressional approval and unresolved security concerns tied to Turkey’s Russian-made defense systems.
