F-35 Sale to Turkey Faces Strong Opposition

If President Trump plans to proceed with the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, he will encounter significant bipartisan resistance within Congress. This comes as he arrived in Ankara for a NATO summit on Tuesday.

Turkey is a longstanding NATO member and was part of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program from its inception 25 years ago. However, the country was removed from the program back in July 2019 during Trump’s first term. The U.S. had expressed concerns over Turkey’s decision to purchase Russia’s S-400 surface-to-air missiles, leading Trump to impose a ban on F-35 sales to Turkey after repeated warnings from the U.S. and other NATO allies. This decision stemmed from the potential risks; Russian engineers could examine Turkey’s F-35, improving their missile systems to counteract advanced fighter jets.

“Turkey’s acquisition of the S-400 air defense system makes ongoing involvement with the F-35 unfeasible. The F-35 can’t share the stage with Russian intelligence systems tailored to analyze its technologies,” stated the White House when announcing the ban in July 2019.

Turkey felt a deep sense of resentment being ousted from the program, especially after investing around $1.4 billion in its development, yet it remained steadfast in not canceling its S-400 order.

President Erdoğan hopes to persuade Trump to reconsider the fighter jet deal if he returns to office in 2025. Trump has indicated that he may still keep the door open for F-35 sales in the future, but the S-400 situation complicates matters since Turkey has already started deploying components related to the Russian system.

Some defense analysts have pointed out a faint glimmer of hope. They note that Turkey hasn’t made substantial advancements with the S-400 missiles, although progress is being made. In the wake of a coup attempt in 2016, Erdoğan deemed it crucial to strengthen ties with Moscow, which had a positive reception at the time. But now, a significant number of Russian missiles—around 120—remain unused.

Moreover, none of the launch systems have been fully integrated into Turkey’s air defense framework, and Turkish military leaders seem hesitant to rely on Russian technology, which has underperformed in conflicts involving the U.S. Recently, there were talks of Russia buying back missiles from Turkey for use against Ukraine.

During his visit to Ankara, President Trump, warmly welcomed by Erdoğan, suggested that the sale of F-35s might be reconsidered, asserting that Turkey is a more reliable ally compared to many European nations involved in the program. While he didn’t definitively commit, he noted that it “makes sense” to explore the possibility.

“I can tell you that many people are asking, ‘Why not?’” Trump stated in a joint press conference with Erdoğan, emphasizing the unique bond with Turkey.

However, White House officials affirmed that both Democrats and Republicans in Congress are firmly opposed to F-35 sales to Turkey.

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) referenced remarks from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who condemned Turkey’s increasingly anti-Israel stance and expressed strong opposition to the jets’ sale.

“In their talks with Hezbollah, they’ve communicated a willingness to continue collaboration,” Fetterman remarked.

Netanyahu stated during a CNN interview that Erdoğan is “not exactly a model ally of the United States,” suggesting that granting him F-35s wouldn’t make Turkey more amicable toward the U.S. or Israel.

“He threatens my country, the only Jewish state. This won’t ensure peace and stability; granting them such power could lead to aggression,” he added.

Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth reportedly saw Israel cancel a meeting with Netanyahu to discuss the F-35 sale after Netanyahu made his opposition clear.

Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) pointed out that Turkey’s hostility towards Greece and Cyprus should be among the reasons against the F-35 sale.

“President Erdoğan is engaging with Iran and Russia, sheltering Hamas, and refusing to impose sanctions on Russia. He is also continuing military provocations toward Greece and threatening Israel,” she noted.

“Moreover, he’s imprisoning political opponents and blocking journalists from NATO summit attendance. Providing Turkey our most advanced fighter jets risks U.S. national security and could endanger our allies,” she added.

Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) criticized Trump’s consideration of reinstating Turkey in the F-35 program despite ongoing violations of U.S. laws and threats toward allies.

“We can’t respond to Erdoğan’s aggressive actions in the region,” he stressed.

Representative Dina Titus (D-NV) echoed similar concerns, reminding that the reasons Congress banned F-35 sales in the 2018 NDAA are still valid, even prior to Turkey’s formal expulsion from the program.

“Trump can’t simply dismiss these issues with a handshake in Ankara,” she urged, calling for a resolution to block any illegal F-35 sales to Turkey.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said that while Turkey, being NATO’s only Islamic nation, could find its way back into the program, he believes there may still be opposition in Congress, particularly because of Turkey’s ties with Israel.

Yet Graham has been skeptical about previous jet sales to Turkey, recently stating that “we oppose the F-35 contract.” Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) expressed concern over the potential sale, stating he hopes any reports indicating Trump is selling F-35s to Turkey are incorrect, especially given that the 2018 NDAA prohibits such transactions.

Former Vice President Mike Pence urged Trump, during his Tuesday comments, not to lift sanctions on Turkey or reinstate it in the F-35 program, labeling it a significant security error for the U.S., Israel, and NATO.

“Mr. President, please stop,” Pence concluded.