Discussions over Turkey's potential return to the F-35 fighter jet programme have gained fresh momentum, with US officials expressing optimism that an agreement can be reached, while Turkish government ally Devlet Bahçeli has welcomed efforts to lift American sanctions and restore Ankara's participation.
US envoy: "A deal can be done"
The United States Permanent Representative to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, said the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey is an agreement that "can be done".
According to Turkish media reports, Whitaker told CNN that US President Donald Trump is in direct talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the issue and expressed confidence that the negotiations could lead to an agreement. "I believe this is a deal that can be done. I believe it will happen. President Trump will make sure the right agreement is reached for the sale of F-35s to the Turkish armed forces," he said.
The S-400 obstacle and congressional concerns
Whitaker acknowledged, however, that serious concerns remain in the US Congress over the possibility that sensitive F-35 technology could be exposed to Russia because of Turkey's possession of the Russian-made S-400 air defence system.
He noted that US legislation continues to link Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 to any potential return to the F-35 programme.
Even if all conditions are met and the necessary legal procedures are completed, Whitaker said, any aircraft would be delivered according to a phased timetable rather than immediately.
He also described the Turkish military as "a highly capable ally, fully integrated into the West," stressing that Washington wants to further strengthen its strategic partnership with Ankara.
Bahçeli: "This is not a favour, but justice"
Similar views were expressed by Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and a key ally of Erdoğan's government.
Addressing his party's parliamentary group, Bahçeli welcomed indications that the United States may reconsider CAATSA sanctions and Turkey's exclusion from the F-35 programme.
He argued that any positive step towards Ankara would not represent a favour but rather a delayed correction of what he described as unfair treatment by Turkey's allies. "This is not a favour, but the restoration of justice," he said.
NATO, defence industry and EU ambitions
Bahçeli also described the recent NATO summit in Ankara as a turning point for the alliance.
According to him, discussions focused on Ukraine, defence procurement programmes, restrictions between allies, the Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey's "Blue Homeland" doctrine.
He praised the development of Turkey's domestic defence industry, highlighting projects such as:
- KAAN
- KIZILELMA
- AKINCI
- TCG Anadolu
- MİLGEM
- Altay
- Tayfun missile system
- Bora missile system
Referring to tensions involving Iran, Bahçeli criticised Trump's statement that the agreement with Tehran was "finished," calling on the United States to honour its commitments and urging Iran to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
He also called for a revival of Turkey's accession process to the European Union, arguing that no sustainable security or energy framework can be developed without Ankara's participation.
Source: CNA
