The current push to bring Türkiye back into the F-35 program signals more than a logistics concession.
It represents a strategic recalibration that sees U.S. and Turkish leaders shaping a joint path through a complicated regional landscape.
“The positive relationship between President Trump and President Erdogan has created a new atmosphere of cooperation, which has led to the most fruitful conversations we have had on this topic in nearly a decade,” Ambassador Tom Barrack wrote in a social media post.
Barrack, who is also Trump’s special envoy for Syria, said there were “ongoing discussions with Türkiye regarding their desire to rejoin the F-35 program and their possession of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system.” This line confirms that the two sides are not merely discussing symbolism, but concrete security parameters.
“The positive relationship between Trump and Erdogan had created a new atmosphere of cooperation, which has led to the most fruitful conversations we have had on this topic in nearly a decade,” Barrack wrote.
“Our hope is that these talks will yield a breakthrough in the coming months that meets both the security requirements of the United States and Türkiye.” These lines reflect a broader sense that a long-run fix may be within reach and that the administration is willing to pursue a practical path, not just a political one.
Three considerations drive the renewed effort. First, Ankara has long argued it invested about $1.4 billion before suspension, a claim that underscores Ankara’s expectations. Second, Turkey has looked at alternatives such as Eurofighter Typhoons and U.S.-made F-16s while pursuing its own KAAN fighter jet, expected to fly in 2028.
This mix shows that while readmission is not guaranteed, Turkey remains committed to modernizing its air force and preserving strategic autonomy.
In a White House meeting with Erdogan in September, Trump signaled that the U.S. may soon lift the ban on sales of F-35s to Ankara.
The moment captured a president who has repeatedly made the case that alliance interests can drive quick, decisive action when there is clear alignment.
The evolving relationship with Erdogan marks a departure from past friction and signals a new pragmatic posture.
The Obama and Biden administrations kept Erdogan, who has governed Turkey for 22 years, at arm’s length. Officials argued that Turkey’s human rights record and ties with Russia created a complicated risk calculus.
Yet, those cautions now intersect with a broader view that a stable, reliable Turkey matters to regional security and NATO cohesion.
Trump’s approach treats Erdogan as an essential intermediary in broader efforts to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. U.S. and European leaders have followed Erdogan in accepting his influence in Syria’s evolving politics, and Washington sees value in channeling that influence toward shared objectives where possible.
This approach aims to align Turkey’s regional leverage with American goals wherever possible.
The path remains challenging. Readmission would require satisfying strict security assurances to prevent the exposure of sensitive data. Still, the core message from Ankara and Washington is that the door is not closed, but needs to be opened carefully and verifiably.
If these conversations succeed, they could redefine how NATO coordinates defense and deterrence in a volatile region.
We will see whether this dynamic translates into a durable policy win for the United States and its Turkish ally. If it does, it would confirm the practical value of leadership that combines direct diplomacy with clear, uncompromising security standards.
It would also demonstrate that bold, results-focused diplomacy can deliver real strategic gains.
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