Türkiye renews its interest in 40 F-35 fighter jets amid possible US policy shift.

On November 26, 2024, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler addressed the Planning and Budget Committee in the Turkish Parliament, stating that the United States may reconsider selling F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye. He revealed that Türkiye had formally resubmitted its request to purchase 40 F-35s and emphasized that six aircraft originally ordered by Türkiye remain in storage in the U.S., undelivered due to Türkiye’s removal from the F-35 program in 2019.
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Türkiye became a partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program in 2002, intending to procure 100 F-35As, but was removed from the program following the purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems. (Picture source: US Air Force)

Güler linked this potential shift in U.S. policy to Türkiye’s progress in developing its fifth-generation fighter jet, named KAAN, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ). The KAAN conducted its maiden flight in early 2024 and is intended to replace aging F-16s in the Turkish Air Force by the 2030s. According to Güler, U.S. officials have recently expressed the possibility of providing the F-35s, though no definitive progress has been made. Güler also reiterated Türkiye’s position on reclaiming its production share in the F-35 program, alongside acquiring the additional jets.

Türkiye became a partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program in 2002, intending to procure 100 F-35A variants. Turkish companies contributed to the aircraft's production with a combined investment exceeding $1 billion. The first Turkish F-35A was completed in 2018, with deliveries expected to follow training of Turkish pilots in the United States. However, deliveries were halted in 2019 after Türkiye purchased Russian S-400 air defense systems, which the U.S. argued posed a security risk to the F-35 platform. This led to Türkiye’s removal from the program and the reallocation of eight Turkish-bound F-35s to the U.S. Air Force.

Despite Türkiye's suspension, production of some F-35 components in Türkiye continued until 2022 under preexisting contracts. The U.S. has not refunded the $1.4 billion paid by Türkiye for the aircraft. In early 2024, U.S. officials indicated that Türkiye could potentially rejoin the program if it abandoned the S-400 system. However, Güler stated that Türkiye has no plans to discard the S-400s, noting that the system remains inactive but could be operational within 12 hours if necessary.

In parallel, Türkiye has pursued the modernization of its fighter fleet. Türkiye has committed to purchasing 40 F-16 Block 70 Viper aircraft, with an estimated total cost of $6.5–7 billion, including specialized munitions and logistical support. An initial payment of $1.4 billion has already been made. However, Güler announced that Türkiye had canceled plans to modernize 79 older F-16s with U.S. Viper kits, delegating the task to Turkish Aerospace Industries under the domestic ÖZGÜR program, which involves locally designed hardware and software.

Türkiye has also sought to diversify its fleet with the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. Initial hesitancy from Germany delayed the deal, but Güler confirmed that approvals have now been obtained from all relevant European parties, allowing discussions to proceed.

Türkiye’s acquisition of the S-400 system remains a central issue in its defense strategy and relations with NATO allies. Güler explained that the system is intended for use only in response to high-level air threats. Its acquisition in 2017 marked Türkiye as the first NATO member to purchase the Russian system, straining relations with the U.S. and prompting sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has previously asserted that Türkiye will recoup the $1.4 billion paid for the F-35 program, either through delivery of the jets or reimbursement. Additionally, Erdoğan has stated that Türkiye’s purchase of the S-400 was a necessity after the U.S. refused to sell Patriot missile systems. Turkish officials have maintained that the S-400s will operate independently from NATO’s defense network.

The U.S.-Türkiye discussions over the F-35 coincide with broader defense developments in Türkiye. Mass production of the Altay main battle tank is set to begin by the end of 2025. Türkiye has also continued to assert its maritime claims in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean, with Güler accusing Greece of militarizing demilitarized zones and reaffirming Türkiye’s rights under international law.

Türkiye’s position within NATO remains complex. Its veto power has influenced negotiations on other defense matters, such as approving Sweden and Finland’s NATO memberships. As Türkiye seeks to balance its national defense priorities with its NATO commitments, its renewed bid for F-35s highlights ongoing efforts to resolve disputes with the U.S. and diversify its military capabilities. Whether these efforts lead to Türkiye’s readmission into the F-35 program remains uncertain, as discussions continue amid longstanding geopolitical tensions.