Image Credentials: Image Title: Turkey Eyes F-35 Return: NATO Summit Unveils Potential U.S. Deal Source: (sora.chatgpt) Date: June 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (sora.chatgpt), it does not depict a real-world scene.
By Staff Writer with Agencies
The Hague, June 25, 2025 – In a move that could reshape both Turkey’s military capabilities and NATO’s air power strategy, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkey has resumed talks with the United States to rejoin the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. This marks a significant development in a complex relationship strained by Turkey’s controversial purchase of Russia’s S-400 air defense system.
Speaking to the press at the NATO summit in The Hague, Erdogan confirmed that Turkey, which had invested between $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion in the F-35 program before its exclusion in 2019, is now pursuing the opportunity to re-enter the program. The discussions follow a high-level meeting between Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump, and if successful, could have profound implications for Turkey’s air force and NATO’s southern flank.
NEW: Talks to readmit #Turkiye to #F35 fighter jet program have begun at a technical level, Turkish President Erdoğan tells journalists
Says issue was raised during meeting with US President Trump at NATO Summit 🇹🇷🇺🇸 #Defence https://t.co/oO6F9RTICw pic.twitter.com/z4jgKGrWNE
— Andrew Hopkins (@achopkins1) June 26, 2025
S-400 Controversy Lingers
Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 program in 2019 was directly tied to its decision to acquire the Russian-made S-400 system. The U.S. expressed concerns that the S-400’s advanced radar capabilities could compromise the F-35’s stealth features, leading to the suspension of Turkish participation in the program. Washington also imposed sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), leaving Ankara with billions in lost investments and no access to the advanced fighter jet.
Despite these tensions, Erdogan’s statements suggest that the issue of the S-400 is no longer a sticking point in Turkey’s negotiations. “We did not discuss the S-400 at the meeting with Trump. This issue is closed,” Erdogan stated, indicating a potential shift in Turkey’s defense priorities. However, U.S. officials have yet to confirm whether the S-400 will remain sidelined in future discussions, raising questions about the feasibility of a deal.
Turkey’s Ambition for Air Superiority
Turkey’s air force, reliant on aging fleets of F-16s and older F-4 Phantom jets, has long sought the F-35 to modernize its capabilities. The stealth fighter, known for its advanced sensors and low-observable design, would offer Turkey a significant upgrade in terms of both defensive and offensive capabilities. The F-35’s versatility in air-ground integration, including coordination with Turkish drones, would enhance Ankara’s ability to project power in the volatile Eastern Mediterranean region, where tensions with Greece over maritime boundaries continue to simmer.
The Turkish military has voiced frustrations over the exclusion from the F-35 program, especially in light of neighboring Greece’s acquisition of Rafale jets and the growing presence of Russian Su-35 and Su-57 aircraft in Syria. If re-admitted to the program, Turkey would have access to one of the world’s most advanced aircraft, which could reshape the regional balance of power.
Economic and Geopolitical Stakes
The F-35 program also holds significant economic implications for Turkey. Before its removal, Turkish firms like Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Aselsan had been critical suppliers, providing over 900 components for the jet. Rejoining the program could revive these lucrative contracts, which would provide an economic boost to Turkey’s aerospace industry and create thousands of jobs. Additionally, the transfer of technology and expertise could support the development of Turkey’s own fifth-generation fighter, the TF-X/Kaan.
Geopolitically, the resumption of F-35 talks reflects broader strategic dynamics. Turkey’s pivotal location between Europe and the Middle East, its control of the Bosporus Strait, and its involvement in key diplomatic efforts, such as mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict, make it a crucial NATO ally. President Trump’s willingness to reconsider Turkey’s exclusion could stem from a desire to reinforce NATO unity in the face of growing threats from Russia and China.
Cybersecurity and Technical Challenges
However, one of the biggest obstacles to Turkey’s return to the F-35 program remains the security concerns surrounding the S-400 system. The advanced radar capabilities of the S-400 have the potential to detect the F-35’s low radar cross-section, compromising its stealth advantage. U.S. officials have long warned that Russian technicians in Turkey could gain access to sensitive F-35 data, threatening the integrity of NATO’s defense technology.
Despite these concerns, Turkey has expressed its commitment to isolating the S-400 from F-35 operations, possibly through restricted basing or operational protocols. Discussions are ongoing to find technical solutions that would prevent data leakage and ensure the security of NATO’s military networks.
Alternatives to the F-35
If Turkey’s negotiations with the U.S. falter, it has explored other options. The TF-X/Kaan, Turkey’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter, is still in development and won’t be ready until at least 2026, with operational deployment years away. Turkey has also considered acquiring other aircraft, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon or France’s Rafale, but these alternatives don’t offer the same advanced capabilities as the F-35, particularly in terms of stealth and sensor fusion.
Russia’s Su-57, while an advanced stealth fighter, is unlikely to be an option for Turkey due to its strained relations with Moscow, particularly over the war in Ukraine. China’s J-20 is also ruled out due to NATO commitments. This leaves the F-35 as the optimal choice for Turkey’s air force modernization.
NATO’s Future: Unity Amidst Tensions
The resumption of F-35 talks is a pivotal moment for both Turkey and NATO. The alliance’s broader modernization efforts, including increasing defense spending and strengthening air forces, make the F-35 a central asset for collective defense. The decision to re-integrate Turkey into the program could strengthen NATO’s southern flank, but it also risks exacerbating tensions with countries like Greece and Israel, who remain wary of Turkey’s growing assertiveness.
As technical discussions continue, the challenge for both Turkey and the U.S. will be balancing Turkey’s desire for autonomy with the need to protect NATO’s technological edge. Erdogan’s optimism, fueled by Trump’s apparent openness, suggests a path forward, but the lingering shadow of the S-400 and technical hurdles will determine the success of Turkey’s bid.
What’s Next for Turkey and NATO?
Turkey’s renewed push for the F-35 underscores its ambition to modernize its military and cement its strategic position within NATO. As the technical talks unfold, all eyes will be on whether the two sides can navigate the complex geopolitical and technological challenges and ultimately restore Turkey’s place in the F-35 program.
For NATO, the outcome will reflect the alliance’s ability to adapt to shifting global dynamics while ensuring that trust and security remain at the core of its defense strategy.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.