US Considers Selling F-35 Jets to Turkey Amid Review

US Vice President JD Vance stated that the American administration is currently reviewing the possibility of selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. This development could mark a revival of defense cooperation between the two countries following years of disputes related to Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile system.

Vance told reporters that a specialized team within the US administration is examining the matter to ensure compliance with American legal requirements. He added that President Donald Trump had requested this review to be conducted.

“Pete and his team are currently reviewing this issue, and there are certain matters we need to verify in order to comply with US law. The President asked us to undertake this,” Vance said.

Separately, President Donald Trump hinted at a possible positive move toward Ankara when asked about Turkey’s request for F-35 jets and jet engines used in its domestic fighter aircraft development program.

Trump remarked, “I will probably do something that will please Turkey.”

These statements come amid a relative improvement in relations between Washington and Ankara after years of tension that followed Turkey’s 2019 purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system. This acquisition led the United States to exclude Turkey from the F-35 development and production program and impose sanctions on its defense sector.

Any US decision to revisit the F-35 issue is seen as a significant shift in strategic relations between the two NATO member countries, especially as Western nations increasingly seek to strengthen defense cooperation amid regional and international security challenges.