A recent report from the US Congressional Research Service has raised hopes in Ankara regarding a potential return to the F-35 program.
The report suggests that the US Congress may reconsider its decision to block the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. The document also addresses the case of the United Arab Emirates, which was similarly excluded from the program due to its ties with China. This development comes as Turkey continues to manage its strained relationship with the US, particularly following its 2019 acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system. As a result of this purchase, Ankara was sanctioned under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Any lifting of these sanctions would require a new decision from Congress and an amendment to the law.
Turkey was one of the original nine partner nations in the F-35 program, with plans to procure 100 jets for its air force. The congressional report highlights Turkey’s role as a key producer of more than 900 F-35 components, including critical parts such as the fuselage and landing gear.
See the full report below.
