Washington, D.C. | July 28, 2026
US Turkey F-35 Deal
A disagreement over the possible sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey has exposed differences between the United States and Israel, with President Donald Trump dismissing objections raised by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Monday, Trump said the United States would make its own decisions regarding defense exports and that no foreign leader would determine what Washington sells.
“Nobody is going to tell us what we should sell. Turkey has been a very good ally,” Trump told reporters.
Trump Defends Potential F-35 Sale
Trump’s remarks came as Netanyahu arrived in Washington, D.C., for high-level talks expected to focus on regional security, Iran, and broader Middle East developments.
The U.S. president indicated that his administration would independently evaluate whether to move forward with a potential sale of F-35 fighter aircraft to Turkey.
He also described Turkey as an important U.S. partner and suggested bilateral relations had improved.
Why Netanyahu Opposes the Deal
Earlier this month, Netanyahu publicly opposed any proposal to sell F-35 stealth fighters to Turkey.
In an interview with CNN, he said he had personally urged Trump not to approve the sale, arguing that it could alter the regional military balance.
Netanyahu also expressed concerns about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government, claiming that supplying Turkey with advanced U.S. fighter jets would not necessarily strengthen America’s strategic interests.
According to Netanyahu, providing Turkey with F-35 aircraft could have wider security implications across the Middle East.
These remarks reflect Netanyahu’s position and concerns; the United States has not adopted those claims as official policy.
US Reviewing Turkey’s F-35 Status
Trump previously said his administration would soon decide whether to allow Turkey to purchase F-35 fighter jets, despite existing congressional restrictions on the program.
The review comes years after Turkey was removed from the F-35 program following its acquisition of Russia’s S-400 air defense system, which led to U.S. sanctions.
Trump also said his administration intends to lift sanctions imposed over Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 system, describing relations with Ankara as stronger than before.
He added that many believe Turkey should be permitted to buy the F-35 despite the earlier dispute over the Russian missile system.
Calling the F-35 “the greatest aircraft ever built,” Trump said the proposal would receive serious consideration.
Turkey Signals Optimism
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has indicated that Ankara is optimistic about reaching an agreement with Washington.
According to Erdoğan, Turkey hopes to secure both:
- The purchase of F-35 fighter jets from the United States.
- U.S.-made engines for Turkey’s domestically developed KAAN fighter aircraft.
No final agreement has been announced.
Why the Issue Matters
The possible restoration of Turkey’s access to the F-35 program could have significant implications for:
- NATO defense cooperation.
- U.S.-Turkey strategic relations.
- Israel’s regional security concerns.
- The military balance in the Middle East.
Any sale would still be subject to applicable U.S. legal and congressional procedures before completion.
Key Highlights
- President Donald Trump rejected Netanyahu’s objections to a possible F-35 sale to Turkey.
- Trump said the United States alone will decide its defense export policy.
- Netanyahu argues that supplying Turkey with F-35 jets could affect the regional balance of power.
- The Trump administration is reviewing Turkey’s potential return to the F-35 program despite earlier sanctions linked to the S-400 purchase.
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with Washington on both F-35 aircraft and engines for the KAAN fighter jet.
