Erdogan Meets Trump to Revive F-35 Fighter Jet Deal — White House, 25 Sept 2025

Erdogan Meets Trump to Revive F-35 Fighter Jet Deal — White House, 25 Sept 2025

On 25 September 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in a high-stakes bid to revive negotiations for acquiring F-35 stealth fighter jets. Erdogan also pushed for the removal of U.S. sanctions imposed after Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system. This was their first face-to-face White House meeting since 2019.

The United States expelled Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019, citing security risks that the S-400 system could compromise the jet’s sensitive data. Erdogan’s latest visit seeks a path back into the program to modernize Turkey’s air force.

In a goodwill gesture before the summit, Ankara lifted additional tariffs on U.S. imports. Turkish officials outlined plans to purchase new fighter jets, upgrade existing aircraft, and broaden defense cooperation.

U.S. officials noted that a direct F-35 sale remains legally complex as long as Turkey retains the S-400 system. However, a “statement of intent” has been drafted, signaling U.S. willingness to explore future options. Erdogan is also pressing for the purchase of 40 new F-16s and upgrades to Turkey’s current fleet.

President Trump expressed optimism, saying he expects the F-35 discussions “to conclude positively,” highlighting defense and trade ties as top priorities. The broader package reportedly includes a major civilian aviation deal, with Turkish Airlines negotiating the purchase of over 200 Boeing aircraft, benefiting both civilian and defense sectors.

Despite the positive tone, strong resistance remains in the U.S. Congress, where lawmakers object to Turkey’s S-400 acquisition. American law currently blocks F-35 sales to any nation operating the Russian system. Erdogan hopes closer ties with the Trump administration will overcome these political and legal barriers.

The talks also covered regional issues, including Syria, Eastern Mediterranean energy disputes, and the Gaza crisis. Erdogan has condemned Israeli actions in Gaza as “genocide,” a label Washington rejects.

In summary, Erdogan’s White House visit signals a strategic push to restore Turkey’s role in the F-35 program, rebuild defense cooperation, and expand bilateral trade. Whether these ambitious goals can survive U.S. legal and political hurdles remains uncertain, but the meeting reflects a more cooperative tone than in recent years.