Captain Mehmet stood on the tarmac at Eskişehir Air Base, watching his aging F-16 Fighting Falcon being prepped for another mission. The veteran Turkish pilot couldn’t help but think about his son, who dreams of flying the most advanced jets in the world. “Will Turkey still be flying these old birds when he grows up?” Mehmet wondered, knowing that neighboring countries were already upgrading to fifth-generation fighters.
This personal story reflects a much larger reality facing Turkey today. The country finds itself at a crossroads, caught between developing its own advanced fighter jet and potentially getting back into America’s premier stealth fighter program.
The F35 sale Turkey debate has suddenly taken a dramatic turn. President Trump recently announced he’s “very seriously” considering selling F-35 Lightning II fighters to Turkey, potentially ending years of frozen relations over this critical defense deal.
Why This F-35 Deal Matters More Than Ever
Turkey’s air force is facing what defense experts call a “capability gap crisis.” Their current fleet of F-16s, while reliable, can’t match the advanced stealth fighters that regional rivals are now deploying. Meanwhile, Turkey’s indigenous KAAN fighter jet won’t be ready for full service until the late 2020s at the earliest.
“Turkey needs modern air power now, not in five years,” says defense analyst Sarah Mitchell from the Atlantic Council. “The F35 sale Turkey has been hoping for could bridge that critical gap.”
The relationship between Turkey and the F-35 program was once rock solid. Turkish companies manufactured over 900 components for the jet, and Turkey was slated to receive around 100 aircraft. But everything changed in 2019 when Turkey purchased Russia’s S-400 air defense system, leading to their removal from the program.
Trump’s recent comments signal a potential thaw. Speaking in December 2025, he indicated that quiet diplomatic talks about Turkey’s return to the F-35 program have continued behind closed doors, even during the worst periods of tension.
The Complex Web of Military and Political Factors
Any F35 sale Turkey might receive won’t be simple. Multiple factors are shaping this potential deal:
- Congressional Approval: U.S. lawmakers remain skeptical about Turkey’s Russian weapons systems
- NATO Obligations: Turkey’s strategic position makes it valuable for alliance defense
- Regional Balance: Greece and other neighbors are upgrading their air forces
- Industrial Partnership: Turkish companies still want back into F-35 manufacturing
- Timeline Pressure: Turkey’s air force needs modern jets before rivals gain decisive advantages
The numbers tell a compelling story about why this matters:
| Country | Current Fighter Jets | 5th Generation Plans | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 240+ F-16s | F-35s or KAAN | Uncertain |
| Greece | 150+ F-16s | 24 Rafale jets delivered | Complete |
| Israel | Mixed fleet | 36 F-35s operational | Expanding |
| UAE | 80 F-16s | 50 F-35s planned | 2027-2030 |
“Turkey is essentially flying with one hand tied behind its back right now,” explains retired Air Force General James Rodriguez. “They have capable pilots and good training, but their equipment is falling behind regional standards.”
What Real People Should Expect from This Decision
If the F35 sale Turkey receives actually goes through, the impacts will ripple far beyond military circles. Turkish aerospace workers could return to high-paying jobs manufacturing F-35 components. Regional tensions might ease as Turkey regains access to cutting-edge defense technology.
But there are genuine concerns too. European allies worry that selling F-35s to Turkey while they still operate Russian S-400 systems could compromise NATO’s most sensitive military secrets.
Turkish citizens are watching closely because this decision affects their country’s long-term security and international standing. Many remember when Turkey was a respected partner in major Western defense programs, and they want that status restored.
“My father worked on F-35 parts before we got kicked out of the program,” says Ankara resident Elif Yılmaz. “Our whole family felt the shame of that. Getting back in would mean Turkey is trusted again.”
The timing creates additional pressure. Turkey’s indigenous KAAN fighter recently completed important test flights, proving the country can develop advanced aircraft independently. But that program still needs several more years and billions in additional funding.
Defense industry insiders suggest that any F35 sale Turkey receives would likely come with strict conditions. Turkey might need to phase out Russian systems, limit certain military operations, or accept reduced numbers of aircraft initially.
“Trump seems willing to make deals that previous administrations wouldn’t touch,” notes international relations professor Dr. Michael Hassan from Georgetown University. “But Congress still has to sign off, and they won’t make this easy.”
Regional dynamics add another layer of complexity. If Turkey gets F-35s, neighboring countries will likely respond by upgrading their own capabilities. This could trigger a broader arms race in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.
The economic implications are substantial too. Turkey’s defense industry employs hundreds of thousands of people, and F-35 work represents some of the highest-skilled manufacturing jobs available. Getting back into the program could boost Turkey’s economy significantly.
For now, families like Captain Mehmet’s are waiting to see whether American and Turkish leaders can overcome years of mistrust and conflicting interests. The F35 sale Turkey debate represents more than just military hardware – it’s about whether two NATO allies can repair their relationship and work together again.
FAQs
Why was Turkey removed from the F-35 program originally?
Turkey was kicked out in 2019 after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air defense system, which the U.S. said could compromise F-35 technology and threaten NATO security.
How many F-35s would Turkey potentially receive?
Turkey originally planned to buy around 100 F-35s, but any new deal would likely start with smaller numbers and include strict conditions.
What is Turkey’s KAAN fighter jet program?
KAAN is Turkey’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter currently in development, expected to enter full service in the late 2020s if funding and testing continue successfully.
Would Congress approve an F35 sale to Turkey?
Congressional approval is required and remains uncertain, as many lawmakers have concerns about Turkey’s Russian weapons systems and regional military operations.
How would this affect other NATO countries?
European allies have mixed feelings – some want Turkey’s military capabilities strengthened for regional security, while others worry about technology sharing with a country that operates Russian systems.
What conditions might be attached to any F-35 sale?
Likely conditions include phasing out Russian S-400 systems, limiting certain military operations, accepting reduced initial quantities, and agreeing to enhanced oversight of the aircraft.
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