Erdogan Trump F-35s Deal: White House Talks Aim to Restore Fighter Jet Sales
U.S. President Donald Trump will host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on Thursday, marking Erdogan’s first visit in six years. The Turkish leader aims to leverage strong bilateral ties to persuade Washington to lift U.S. sanctions and allow the purchase of F-35 fighter jets. The meeting comes amid a period of unusually warm relations between the two NATO allies, as Ankara seeks to take advantage of Trump’s eagerness for high-value arms and trade deals.
During previous U.S. administrations, Turkey’s close relationship with Russia created tension and limited cooperation. Under Trump, however, Erdogan hopes for a more favorable environment, especially since the two leaders share aligned interests in Syria. Both countries now support the central government in the conflict, easing past disputes and creating a foundation for productive talks.
Despite cooperation in Syria, Erdogan and Trump remain at odds over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Turkey has condemned these attacks, calling them genocide, which could complicate otherwise friendly and transactional discussions. Erdogan emphasized his stance at the UN, stating that countries failing to oppose the violence share responsibility. Meanwhile, U.S. officials maintain that world leaders can express their positions, but must negotiate directly at the White House to achieve results.
Erdogan Trump F-35s Deal: In White House
A major focus of the meeting will be overcoming U.S. sanctions imposed in 2020, which barred Turkey from acquiring Lockheed Martin F-35s following Ankara’s purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems. Erdogan hopes that Trump’s support could pave the way for Turkey to resume its role as both buyer and manufacturer of the jets. Experts believe that with sufficient political will, Congress could eventually approve F-35 sales, though legal and diplomatic frameworks will need careful negotiation.
In addition to F-35s, the talks are expected to cover Ankara’s acquisition of 40 upgraded F-16 fighter jets, regional security concerns, energy cooperation, and trade agreements. Washington has reportedly drafted statements of intent for the F-16 deal, but the F-35 sale remains excluded due to legal restrictions tied to the S-400 system. Turkey is also interested in procuring Eurofighter Typhoons, a move likely to concern regional allies such as Israel and Greece.
Beyond defense, Trump and Erdogan are expected to discuss a major commercial aviation deal. Turkish Airlines is negotiating for over 200 Boeing aircraft, including 787 and 737 models, powered by $10 billion in General Electric engines. These deals highlight the economic dimension of the Erdogan Trump F-35s deal, extending U.S.-Turkey collaboration beyond defense to broader trade and industrial ties.
As the White House meeting approaches, both leaders appear motivated to strengthen NATO cooperation, expand Turkey’s air capabilities, and advance long-standing military and economic objectives. Observers will be closely watching whether the Erdogan Trump F-35s deal can overcome previous legal barriers and reshape U.S.-Turkey relations for the coming years.
