Trump Considers Lifting Sanctions, Resuming Fighter Jet Sales to Turkey
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering lifting sanctions on Turkey and resuming the sale of advanced fighter jets, including the coveted F-35, following a recent conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The potential policy shift comes as the two leaders seek to strengthen cooperation between their countries, particularly in the defense industry.
Sources familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital that Trump expressed an intent to help finalize the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, a deal already approved by Congress last year. More significantly, Trump is open to the possibility of selling Turkey F-35 jets, contingent on an agreement that renders Turkey’s Russian-made S-400 missile system inoperable.
The proposed agreement could involve partially disassembling the S-400 system or relocating it to a U.S.-controlled base in Turkey. Trump’s team has reportedly requested legal and technical analysis to determine how to avoid violating the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which triggered sanctions against Turkey after its acquisition of the S-400 system.
The U.S. previously suspended Turkey from the F-35 program due to concerns that the presence of the Russian S-400 system could compromise the advanced technology of the F-35. The White House stated in 2019 that the F-35 could not coexist with a Russian intelligence collection platform and that Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 would have detrimental impacts on its participation in NATO.
Turkey’s acquisition of the S-400 system in 2017 strained relations with the U.S., which had offered to sell Turkey the Patriot missile system instead. However, Ankara insisted on acquiring the sensitive missile technology associated with the Patriot system, which the U.S. declined to provide.
The potential resumption of fighter jet sales to Turkey comes amid efforts by the United Kingdom to sell 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey. A decision to sell F-35s to Turkey would likely be controversial and raise concerns among U.S. allies such as Israel and Greece, which have strained relations with Turkey.
Experts have described the F-35 as a status symbol, typically reserved for trusted allies. Critics argue that Turkey’s support for groups like Hamas and the Houthis, as well as its pursuit of an independent arms market, make it an unreliable partner for such advanced technology.
However, proponents of closer ties with Turkey argue that isolating the country, which possesses the second-largest standing military in NATO, could drive it further into the arms of Russia and China. They emphasize the need to keep Turkey aligned with the West and leverage its strategic importance in the region.
Some experts highlight Turkey’s economic significance and its potential role in supply chains, particularly in the mining of rare earth minerals. They suggest that partnering with Turkey could benefit the U.S. in various sectors.
Advocates for closer ties with Turkey emphasize the importance of respecting Erdogan’s leadership and providing clear lines of engagement. They warn that failing to do so could lead Turkey to pursue its own interests independently, potentially to the detriment of U.S. interests.
The potential policy shift towards Turkey reflects a debate within the U.S. regarding the best approach to managing relations with a complex and sometimes challenging ally. While concerns remain about Turkey’s democratic record and its foreign policy choices, there is also recognition of its strategic importance and the need to maintain its alignment with the West.
Trump’s willingness to consider lifting sanctions and resuming fighter jet sales to Turkey suggests a pragmatic approach focused on securing U.S. interests and preventing Turkey from drifting further into the orbit of Russia and China. However, the success of this approach will depend on Turkey’s willingness to address U.S. concerns, particularly regarding the S-400 system and its commitment to NATO principles.
The ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Turkey will be closely watched by allies and adversaries alike, as they could have significant implications for the balance of power in the region and the future of the NATO alliance.
