Full Breakdown
Trump Signals Possible F-35 Sale to Turkey Amid NATO Summit
7/10/2026, 11:27:55 AM
Core Event
President Donald Trump announced on July 7, 2026 at a bilateral press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara that the United States will lift Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) sanctions on Turkey and is “considering” restoring the country’s access to the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter program. Trump said, “It’s a decision we’re going to make,” and added that Turkey “has been, in many ways, much more loyal than other countries that we think would be loyal.”
Background & Context
Turkey was expelled from the multinational F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air-defence system, which Washington argued could compromise the jet’s stealth capabilities. In 2020 the United States imposed CAATSA sanctions on Turkey’s defence industry and barred any F-35 sales. A 2020 amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) codified the prohibition, requiring the executive branch to certify that Turkey no longer possesses the S-400 before any transfer.
Key Figures
- President Donald Trump – U.S. president, advocating a policy reversal and praising Erdogan as a “strong leader.”
- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan – Turkish president, seeking reinstatement in the F-35 program and claiming a prior promise of five jets.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – Israeli prime minister, publicly opposing the sale, warning it would “upset the power balance in the Middle East.”
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth – senior officials tasked with reviewing legal compliance.
Why It Matters / Impact
Re-admitting Turkey to the F-35 program would restore a major production partner and give Ankara access to the world’s most advanced fighter, potentially shifting the regional balance of air power. The move also signals a broader U.S. strategy to strengthen ties with a NATO ally that has been described as “more loyal” in Washington’s view, while raising concerns about technology security, regional stability, and the precedent for circumventing congressional restrictions.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump emphasized the lack of concern over Turkey’s S-400 system, stating, “I have no concerns about anything.” He noted that “the Secretary of State, Treasury Secretary and Defense Secretary are working on it.” Netanyahu warned that supplying F-35s would “destroy the power balance in the Middle East” and that “the United States must not give such a weapon to a regime infected with the Muslim Brotherhood.” Erdogan expressed confidence that Trump would honor his promise, saying, “President Trump always keeps his word.”
Criticism & Opposition
Israeli officials, led by Netanyahu, argue the sale would erode Israel’s qualitative military edge and embolden Turkish aggression. Several U.S. lawmakers, including Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), have publicly opposed the deal, citing the 2020 NDAA restriction. A bipartisan group of House members has also urged congressional leaders to block any F-35 transfer while the S-400 remains in Turkish possession.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the feasibility of removing the S-400. Reuters reports that a possible solution involves transferring the Russian system to a third country, but Russian approval remains uncertain. Congressional Research Service data indicate six Turkish-owned F-35s are stored in the United States, yet no timeline has been provided for certification or legislative action.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're going to be taking the sanctions off, OK?” — President Donald Trump
- “It's a decision we're going to make,” — President Donald Trump
- “I don’t think they should be given F-35s or the engines for their fighter jets, because that’ll upset the power balance in the Middle East, which is ultimately guaranteed by Israeli air superiority and also by, I think, by America’s posture in the Middle East,” — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- “He’s not exactly a model ally of the United States,” — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- “Turkey has been, in many ways, much more loyal than other countries that we think would be loyal.” — President Donald Trump
What’s Next
Trump indicated that his administration will certify compliance with U.S. law before any sale proceeds, but no specific date for a decision or for the removal of CAATSA sanctions was given. Congressional action will be required to amend the 2020 NDAA restriction, and discussions about relocating the S-400 system continue.
