'The Best Plane By Far': Trump Says US Will 'Consider' Selling F-35 Fighter Jets To Turkey
'The Best Plane By Far': Trump Says US Will 'Consider' Selling F-35 Fighter Jets To Turkey Published By, Last Updated: July 07, 2026, 23:12 IST
'The Best Plane By Far': Trump Says US Will 'Consider' Selling F-35 Fighter Jets To Turkey Published By, Last Updated: July 07, 2026, 23:12 IST The US had removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet programme in 2019 after Ankara received the first parts of a Russian missile defence system. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) welcomes US President Donald Trump upon his arrival in Ankara on Tuesday. (AFP photo) US President Donald Trump, who arrived in Turkey on Tuesday, said that Washington would consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Ankara, calling it a “great plane." The US had removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet programme in 2019 after Ankara received the first parts of a Russian missile defence system. “That’s a decision we’re going to make… it’s a great plane, the best plane by far and it’s certainly something we will consider," AFP quoted Trump as saying.
The US President made the remarks while sitting next to Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Will US Lift CAATSA Sanctions On Turkey? Turkey has been pressing for its return to the F-35 fighter jet programme and the removal of US sanctions that have strained bilateral ties and affected its defence industry. Ankara has viewed President Trump’s visit as an opportunity to break the impasse. When Trump and Erdogan met at the White House last September, both signalled a willingness to resolve the long-running dispute, although lifting CAATSA sanctions ultimately requires congressional approval. Asked whether the sanctions would be removed, Trump replied: “We’re going to be taking the sanctions off," adding, “We don’t want to sanction friends." What Erdogan Said Erdogan expressed confidence that Trump would honour his commitment.
“Mr. Trump has also personally given us his word on this matter," he said through a translator. “On this issue, Mr. Trump always stands by his word. Here a gain, God willing, I believe a favourable decision on the F-35s will emerge from this leaders’ summit," he added. Ahead of Trump’s visit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Washington not to supply F-35s to Turkey, warning the move could alter the regional military balance. Erdogan is hoping improved ties with Washington, including Turkey’s support for Ukraine, will help secure the delivery of five aircraft that Ankara has already paid for. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk.
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