Turkey’s efforts to acquire the coveted F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets from the United States may be gaining new momentum. On November 26, Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler shared encouraging updates during a session of the Plan and Budget Commission of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Güler revealed that ongoing diplomatic negotiations with the US could potentially pave the way for Turkey to finally take delivery of the F-35 jets it had previously purchased.
Güler’s remarks signal a potential thaw in a long-frozen issue. Addressing Turkey’s current status in the F-35 saga. “We already have six F-35s over there.” These aircraft—paid for by Turkey but withheld following a major diplomatic fallout—remain in limbo at US facilities.
Turkey was initially a key partner in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program, joining in 2007 alongside the US and other NATO allies like the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands. Ankara planned to procure 100 F-35A Lightning II aircraft to modernize its air force and contribute as a co-producer of components for the cutting-edge jet.
However, the relationship soured in 2019 after Turkey acquired the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system, triggering alarm in Washington and NATO. The US argued that the S-400, designed to counter advanced aircraft, could compromise the security of the F-35 program. Consequently, Turkey was suspended from the program in 2021, with its jets undelivered and its production role revoked.
Since then, Turkey has sought to overcome the impasse while simultaneously pursuing alternative means to modernize its air force, such as the development of the KAAN fifth-generation fighter and the HURJET light combat aircraft.
Güler’s optimism stems from what appears to be a reassessment of US policy.
“Now that they’ve seen our progress with KAAN, their stance seems to be shifting. They’re indicating that they might be willing to deliver them. We’ve officially resubmitted our offer to buy the F-35.”
This acknowledgment of Turkey’s domestic advancements hints at a possible recalibration in US-Turkey relations. Ankara’s progress in defense technology, combined with shifting geopolitical priorities, may be compelling Washington to reevaluate its earlier hardline approach.
Nevertheless, concrete details regarding Turkey’s potential reentry into the program remain elusive. While discussions are ongoing, Güler cautioned that no formal agreements have been reached.
The delays and uncertainty surrounding the F-35 acquisition have driven Turkey to bolster its domestic defense capabilities. One of the most significant outcomes of this pivot is the KAAN fighter jet, Turkey’s indigenously designed and developed fifth-generation aircraft. Expected to rival advanced jets like the F-35, the KAAN project underscores Ankara’s resolve to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers.
Turkey has also made strides with the HURJET, a light combat and training aircraft that complements the KAAN by addressing more tactical air force needs. These projects, spearheaded by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), signify a shift toward greater self-reliance in defense production.
In a related move, Güler announced the cancellation of a planned $23 billion deal with the US to acquire 79 modernization kits for Turkey’s aging fleet of F-16 fighter jets. Initially, Ankara had negotiated a package that included 40 new F-16s and the modernization kits, but Güler revealed that Turkey has opted to conduct the upgrades domestically at TUSAS facilities.
“We can carry out the modernization in-house,” Güler stated, showcasing Turkey’s confidence in its defense industry’s capabilities.
At the heart of the F-35 dispute lies Turkey’s acquisition of the S-400 missile defense system. The US and NATO viewed the purchase as a security risk, arguing that it could provide Russia with sensitive data about NATO aircraft and defense strategies. This led Washington to impose sanctions on Ankara under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
However, recent developments suggest a shift in Washington’s stance.
“During our recent meetings [with the Americans], we rejected what they wanted from us in the context of the S-400. Now, the Americans have no objections in this regard.”
This statement marks a significant departure from the US’s previous insistence that Turkey either deactivate the S-400s or transfer them to a third country as a precondition for resolving the F-35 standoff. Güler further emphasized that the S-400 systems are fully operational and could be deployed within 12 hours in case of an emergency.
While the US appears to have softened its demands regarding the S-400, Russia has maintained its strict stance on the system’s usage and ownership. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has repeatedly reminded Turkey that the contract includes an end-user certificate prohibiting the transfer of the S-400 to third parties without Moscow’s consent.
This dynamic underscores the tightrope Ankara must walk as it balances its relationships with Washington and Moscow. Turkey’s initial purchase of the S-400 was driven by frustration with NATO’s reluctance to meet its air defense needs. However, the geopolitical fallout has forced Ankara to carefully manage its commitments to both sides.
Despite the promising signs, several hurdles remain before Turkey can secure its place in the F-35 program.
- Geopolitical Uncertainties: Relations between Ankara and Washington are influenced by broader geopolitical considerations, including Turkey’s role in NATO, its ties with Russia, and regional security dynamics.
- Congressional Approval: Any decision to allow Turkey back into the F-35 program or deliver withheld jets would likely face scrutiny from the US Congress, where skepticism about Turkey’s actions remains high.
- Domestic and Regional Impacts: Turkey’s pursuit of the F-35 must also align with its broader defense strategy, which increasingly prioritizes domestic production and regional self-reliance.
At the same time, Turkey’s progress with indigenous platforms like the KAAN and its strategic importance as a NATO member could serve as leverage in negotiations with the US.
