Trump signals lifting Turkey sanctions and reconsiders F-35 sales amid S-400 dispute

US President Donald Trump revealed on July 7, 2026, during a NATO summit in Ankara that the United States intends to lift sanctions imposed on Turkey and will decide on selling the nation Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets. This development marks a significant shift since Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 following its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system. The aircraft transfer remains blocked as long as Turkey maintains possession of the S-400, which Washington regards as a critical security threat potentially compromising the stealth capabilities of the F-35.

The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) sanctions levied against Turkey in 2020 were a direct response to Ankara’s acquisition of the Russian missile system. Trump’s announcement suggests the administration is seeking a pathway to resolve this conflict and restore defense cooperation, including potentially reintegrating Turkey into the F-35 program. Still, no conclusive agreement has emerged regarding the fate of the S-400 system, which remains the central obstacle.

One proposed solution under discussion involves Turkey transferring the S-400 system to a third country, which could pave the way for normalization of military ties and resumption of F-35 sales. However, such a transfer faces hurdles, including anticipated resistance from Russia, known for imposing end-user restrictions on its weapons exports. The United States Congress has also enacted provisions through the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act to withhold F-35 deliveries until Turkey no longer holds the S-400.

Turkey’s earlier involvement in the F-35 program entailed not only intentions to operate the fighter jets but also participation by Turkish companies in manufacturing components. Since being removed, Ankara has diversified its defense strategy. It has moved forward with acquiring Eurofighter Typhoons and launched development of the KAAN, a domestic fifth-generation fighter jet initiative supported by a recent $700 million sale of General Electric F110 engines to Turkey for this program. These moves coincide with efforts to maintain an advanced air combat capability independent of US systems.

The potential rekindling of the F-35 sales to Turkey has prompted opposition from bipartisan members of the US Congress, who argue that the security risks posed by Turkey’s continued possession of the S-400 preclude the transfer of sensitive stealth technology. Israel, an operator of the F-35I Adir variant, has also expressed concerns. Jerusalem seeks to preserve its qualitative military edge in the region and views the prospect of F-35 sales to Turkey with caution.

President Trump’s statements came in direct remarks to reporters during the NATO summit with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marking one of the clearest indications from Washington of a willingness to revisit past decisions on defense relations with Turkey. The move aligns with broader diplomatic overtures aimed at reinforcing NATO unity amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

At present, the outcome hinges on resolving the status of the S-400 system. Should Turkey successfully relinquish the Russian air defense system, it could unlock US approvals for F-35 transfers, reversing a rupture that has lasted more than half a decade. Until then, legal restrictions and security assessments continue to restrict Turkey’s access to the US stealth fighter.

The Trump administration’s efforts underscore the complex interplay between arms sales, alliance politics, and regional security considerations. Restoring Turkey’s role in the F-35 program would reintegrate a major NATO ally into cutting-edge defense technology manufacture and deployment, while also navigating sensitivities related to partner nations’ security perceptions in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.