Trump Expected to Tell Turkey He Is Ready to Restore Access to F-35 Jets
President Trump is set to reverse a seven-year ban on Turkey's participation in the F-35 stealth fighter jet program, a move that could face opposition in Congress. The decision is expected to be announced during the president's visit to a NATO summit in Ankara this week, where he will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The ban was initially imposed due to concerns that Turkey's purchase of advanced S-400 antiaircraft systems from Russia could allow Moscow to learn about the F-35's stealth technology. However, after weeks of behind-the-scenes work by national security officials, the administration is now seeking to restore Turkey to the program.
Four senior administration officials confirmed the policy shift, which is seen as a gesture of goodwill towards President Erdogan, a leader admired by Mr. Trump. The move is likely to be met with resistance in Congress, which has the power to block the decision. The timing of the potential delivery of the fighter jets to Turkey remains uncertain.
The ban was initially imposed due to concerns that Turkey's purchase of advanced S-400 antiaircraft systems from Russia could allow Moscow to learn about the F-35's stealth technology. However, after weeks of behind-the-scenes work by national security officials, the administration is now seeking to restore Turkey to the program.
Four senior administration officials confirmed the policy shift, which is seen as a gesture of goodwill towards President Erdogan, a leader admired by Mr. Trump. The move is likely to be met with resistance in Congress, which has the power to block the decision. The timing of the potential delivery of the fighter jets to Turkey remains uncertain.
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