Türkiye and U.S. Seek to Overcome Defence Industry Barriers in High-Level Talks

Washington, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye and the United States have expressed a shared commitment to removing obstacles hindering defence industry cooperation, following discussions between the two NATO allies’ top diplomats, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source confirmed.

During a high-level meeting in Washington on Tuesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed their political will to enhance bilateral collaboration in the defence sector. The discussions also followed up on key matters addressed in the recent phone call between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump on March 16.

According to the source, technical talks will soon take place to resolve existing challenges and explore new opportunities for cooperation. The diplomats also deliberated on upcoming high-level visits aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.

Türkiye’s Readmission to the F-35 Program

Minister Fidan’s visit, his first under the new Trump administration, comes amid Ankara’s renewed push for the lifting of U.S. sanctions and Türkiye’s reintegration into the F-35 fighter jet program. Türkiye was previously removed from the program following its acquisition of Russian S-400 air defence systems in 2019, a move that led to U.S. sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in 2020.

Ankara has long maintained that its expulsion from the F-35 program was unjust and unlawful, demanding either reinstatement or financial compensation for its investment. With the renewed dialogue, Türkiye is hoping to reach a resolution under the second Trump administration.

Realigning Strategic Relations

Over recent years, relations between Türkiye and the U.S. have faced significant challenges, particularly during former President Joe Biden’s tenure, which saw Ankara kept at a diplomatic distance due to its close ties with Russia. Despite previous efforts to negotiate a solution to the S-400 impasse, no breakthrough was achieved.

However, the landscape has shifted under Trump’s second administration. Since his return to office on January 20, 2025, Trump has reshaped U.S. foreign policy, prioritizing a new approach to Russia and Ukraine that departs from Biden’s stance. This shift has created an opportunity for Türkiye to rebuild strategic ties with Washington and assume a more pivotal role in European security dynamics.

With Türkiye’s growing significance in regional stability and security, its renewed engagement with the U.S. could mark the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations.