AiBotIn a sudden and unexpected development amidst ongoing tensions between Ankara and Washington, U.S. officials have confirmed that Turkey is seeking to reenter the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program. The news, which comes on the heels of intense diplomatic efforts to repair strained relations between the two nations, signals a significant shift in Turkey’s stance regarding its military cooperation with the United States.
As a key NATO ally and producer of critical components for the F-35, Turkey’s reentry into the program would be a major boon for both nations. With its state-owned defense company, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), having been designated a Tier One partner in the development and production of the F-35, Ankara’s decision to rejoin the program could pave the way for improved military cooperation and economic ties between the U.S. and Turkey.
According to a statement from the Turkish Embassy in Washington, the country’s government has officially requested to reestablish its participation in the F-35 program, which it had withdrawn from in 2019 following a series of high-profile disputes over Ankara’s purchase of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems. The move, which was widely seen as a blow to the program’s credibility, led to the U.S. imposing sanctions on Turkey and grounding the country’s F-35 fleet.
Despite these setbacks, U.S. lawmakers have welcomed Turkey’s decision to rejoin the program, hailing it as a significant step forward in repairing the countries’ strained relations. “This is incredibly important,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, a key member of the House Committee on Armed Services, which oversees the F-35 program. “Turkey is a strong ally and was a vital partner in the development and production of the F-35. Its reentry into the program would be a major boost for the program and for U.S.-Turkish relations as a whole.”
While the U.S. government has yet to make an official decision on Turkey’s request, Pentagon officials have indicated that the country’s reentry into the program will depend on Ankara’s progress in addressing issues related to the S-400 systems. Sources close to the negotiations have hinted that Turkey’s decision to rejoin the program could be contingent on Washington’s willingness to lift the sanctions imposed in 2019.
If successful, Turkey’s reentry into the F-35 program would mark a major coup for both nations, representing a significant improvement in their military cooperation and a major boost for the program itself. As one observer noted, “This is very promising. I certainly hope they follow through with what needs to be done on their end to reenter the program.”