U.S. Considering F-35 Sale to Turkey After NATO Summit

The United States is expected to provide Turkey with six F-35 fighter jets as part of an initial agreement, according to a Bloomberg News report citing Turkish officials.

The move would require President Donald Trump to reverse Washington’s ban on Ankara’s participation in the F-35 program. Turkey had planned to buy more than 40 stealth fighters before the deal was halted over its acquisition of Russia’s S-400 air defense system and tensions with allies including Israel and Greece.

Following the NATO summit, Trump said he was considering the sale and praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a strong ally. Erdoğan said Trump holds a positive view of the deal and expressed hope the U.S. will honor its commitment.

The two leaders also discussed expanding defense cooperation, including potential collaboration on warship construction such as frigates, submarines, and corvettes. Erdoğan claimed Washington had largely lifted defense sanctions on Turkey, though concerns remain among U.S. lawmakers over Ankara’s ties with Moscow and continued use of the S-400.

Source: FirstpostNews