Erdogan, Trump Discuss F-35 Program, Regional Security on NATO Summit Sidelines
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday expressed confidence that the ongoing NATO Leaders’ Summit in Ankara could produce a favorable outcome for Türkiye’s long-standing effort to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program and acquire the advanced aircraft from the United States.
Speaking after a meeting with Donald Trump on the sidelines of the summit, President Erdoğan said the F-35 issue has remained a central topic in bilateral discussions and recalled that Washington had previously made commitments regarding the delivery of the aircraft.
“The F-35 issue is not a new one for us. We have discussed it with the United States before, and we received a commitment regarding the five aircraft,” Erdoğan said, expressing hope that the NATO leaders’ meeting would result in a positive decision.
The Turkish president also voiced confidence that earlier commitments by the United States would be honored, praising President Trump’s approach to the matter and stating that he expected progress on the issue during the summit.
Türkiye was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after the United States objected to Ankara’s acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, arguing that the missile system could compromise the security of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Ankara has consistently rejected that assessment, maintaining that the S-400 and F-35 systems can operate independently and arguing that its suspension from the program was inconsistent with established agreements. Türkiye has also maintained that its participation in the program would strengthen both its own defense capabilities and those of NATO.
Erdoğan said he also intended to discuss potential United States support for Türkiye’s indigenous KAAN fighter aircraft program, including the supply of jet engines. He noted that he expected President Trump to reaffirm earlier positive signals regarding defense cooperation.
The proposed sale of General Electric F110 jet engines, reportedly valued at more than $700 million, is expected to support the development of Türkiye’s domestically produced KAAN fighter jet, a flagship defense project aimed at reducing reliance on foreign military equipment.
Describing his meeting with President Trump as constructive, Erdoğan said the discussions had strengthened bilateral relations and underscored the importance of the US president’s visit to Ankara.
Beyond defense cooperation, the two leaders are expected to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader regional security issues.
Erdoğan also said Türkiye continues efforts to help improve relations between Iran and the United States and expressed hope that the NATO summit would contribute to peace initiatives in Gaza.
The Turkish president said he planned to raise the humanitarian situation in Gaza and ongoing ceasefire violations during his talks with President Trump, expressing hope that the summit would support efforts to advance peace and stability in the region.
Highlighting the importance of bilateral cooperation within the alliance, Erdoğan said Türkiye and the United States would demonstrate their strong solidarity as key NATO members during the leaders’ summit.
