Trump Administration Approves F110 Engine Sale to Turkey for Kaan Fighter
The Trump administration is set to approve a $700 million sale of General Electric F110 engines to Turkey for its domestic TF Kaan fighter jet, signaling a thaw in U.S.-Turkish defense ties after Turkey’s 2019 expulsion from the F-35 program over its Russian S-400 purchase. The deal faces congressional resistance but has Trump’s support, with Vice President Vance reviewing Turkey’s potential F-35 return. Israeli PM Netanyahu warned the sale could disrupt Middle East power balance.
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Turkey Sells Russian S-400 Systems to Gulf State, Potentially Clearing Path for F-35 Return
According to Turkish reports, Ankara has sold its Russian S-400 air defense systems to a Gulf state, likely the United Arab Emirates or Qatar, removing a major obstacle to rejoining the U.S. F-35 fighter jet program. The sale, reported by columnist Abdulkadir Selvi in the Turkish daily Hürriyet, has not been officially announced. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Moscow and Ankara are in contact on the issue, noting the sensitivity for Russia. The original 2017 purchase agreement prohibits transfer without Russian consent. Turkey has tested the S-400 since 2019 but never operationalized it. The sale could also benefit the U.S. by eliminating a key point of contention in bilateral relations.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikRussia Confirms Talks With Turkey Over Fate of S-400s Amid F-35 Push
The Kremlin confirmed it is in contact with Turkey regarding the potential transfer of Ankara's Russian-made S-400 air defense systems to an unnamed Gulf state. This move is reportedly aimed at convincing Washington to lift sanctions and allow Turkey back into the F-35 program. Turkish media reports suggest the S-400s have been sold to a Gulf country, with the UAE and Qatar named as candidates. At the NATO Summit, U.S. President Trump indicated a possible softening of the U.S. stance on Turkey's F-35 exclusion. Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after refusing to abandon its S-400 purchase. Analysts note that regaining F-35 access would offer Turkey greater long-term military and industrial benefits. Russia may also want the systems back to bolster its own air defenses amid the Ukraine war. However, U.S. lawmakers may resist Turkey's readmission due to broader geopolitical concerns.
TWZRussia Confirms Talks With Turkey Over Fate of S-400s Amid F-35 Push
The Kremlin confirmed it is in contact with Turkey regarding the future of Ankara's Russian-made S-400 air defense systems. Reports indicate Turkey may transfer the S-400s to an unnamed Gulf state (possibly UAE or Qatar) to persuade Washington to lift sanctions and allow Turkey back into the F-35 program. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the transfer report but confirmed ongoing discussions. Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after refusing to abandon its S-400 purchase, despite being a manufacturing partner. U.S. President Trump recently hinted at softening the stance, though the S-400 issue remains a sticking point. Turkey's possession of the S-400 has been controversial due to security concerns, and the systems have reportedly spent most of their service life in storage. Moscow has previously stated that contractual obligations prevent resale without authorization, but Russia may also want the systems back for its own air defenses amid the Ukraine war. Any return to the F-35 program would require lifting CAATSA sanctions and overcoming U.S. congressional resistance.
TWZTrump's pledge to lift Turkey sanctions sets up fight with Congress, allies
President Trump has announced plans to remove sanctions on Turkey and potentially reintegrate Ankara into the F-35 fighter jet program, despite Turkey's possession of a Russian S-400 air defense system. This decision is expected to create a conflict with Congress and regional allies, as several Republican lawmakers have already voiced opposition to lifting the sanctions. The move signals a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Turkey, which had been penalized for its purchase of Russian military equipment.
Just In NewsTrump Says U.S. Will Lift Turkey Sanctions, Consider Selling F-35s; Expert Calls It a Bad Idea
During a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Turkey and stated he is 'certainly' considering selling F-35 fighter jets to the country. This move reverses a 2019 ban that removed Turkey from the F-35 program after it purchased a Russian S-400 air defense system. Dr. Sinan Ciddi, director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), criticized the decision in an interview with Forbes Newsroom, arguing it undermines U.S. security interests and NATO solidarity. The announcement signals a significant shift in U.S.-Turkey relations but raises concerns about rewarding a NATO ally that acquired Russian military hardware.
Forbes - BusinessTrump Declares 'No Concerns' Over Turkey's Russian S-400 System, Signals F-35 Sale
During a joint press conference in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President Donald Trump appeared confused when asked about conditions for selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, which is under a congressional ban due to its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile defense system. When a reporter asked if Turkey would need to sell the S-400 to a third party, Trump responded, 'Third party? What is the third—with respect to what?' He then declared, 'I have no concerns at all about anything,' praising Erdoğan and Turkey's infrastructure. Trump suggested he would lift sanctions on Turkey, despite the sanctions being codified into law by Congress. The article highlights national security concerns that Turkey could use the S-400 to train on F-35s, allowing Russia to learn U.S. military capabilities, and criticizes Trump's dismissive response.
The New RepublicTrump Says He Has 'No Concerns About Anything' on F-35 Sale to Turkey Despite S-400 Issue
During a joint press conference in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President Donald Trump appeared confused when asked about conditions for selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, which is under a congressional ban due to its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile defense system. When a reporter asked if the sale would require Turkey to transfer the S-400 to a third party, Trump responded, 'I have no concerns at all about anything,' and praised Turkey's infrastructure and leadership. Trump suggested he would lift sanctions on Turkey, calling the country a 'friend.' However, the sanctions were enacted by Congress, requiring legislative approval. The article criticizes Trump's dismissive stance on national security concerns, noting that Turkey's S-400 system could allow Russia to gather intelligence on U.S. military capabilities.
The New RepublicTrump Says He Has 'No Concerns' About Russian S-400 System in Turkey Amid F-35 Sale Push
During a joint press conference in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President Donald Trump appeared confused when asked about conditions for selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, which is banned from the program due to its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile defense system. When a reporter asked if Turkey would need to sell the S-400 to a third party to proceed, Trump responded, 'I have no concerns at all about anything,' and praised Turkey's infrastructure and leadership. Trump also suggested he would lift sanctions on Turkey, despite the sanctions being codified into law by Congress. The article criticizes Trump's dismissive stance on national security risks, noting that the S-400 could allow Russia to gather intelligence on U.S. military capabilities.
The New RepublicUS will lift sanctions on Turkey, possibly sell F-35 fighter jets, Trump says
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 7, 2026, that Washington would lift sanctions imposed on Turkey in 2020 over Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 defense missiles. Speaking before a meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump also expressed willingness to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to the fellow NATO ally, despite a U.S. law prohibiting such sales while Turkey retains the S-400 system. The sanctions had removed Turkey from the F-35 program and targeted a major Turkish defense company. Trump praised Turkey's loyalty and said his secretaries of state and treasury were working on the issue. One potential solution under discussion involves sending the Russian system to a third country, though no agreement has been reached and Russia's end-user obligations remain a hurdle. Trump's visit is the first by a U.S. president to Turkey in 11 years.
Military TimesUS will lift sanctions on Turkey, possibly sell F-35 fighter jets, Trump says
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 7, 2026, that Washington would lift sanctions imposed on Turkey in 2020 over Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 defense missiles. Speaking before a meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump also expressed willingness to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, a fellow NATO ally. The sanctions had removed Turkey from the F-35 program and targeted a major Turkish defense company. Trump called Turkey 'more loyal' than other allies and said the F-35 sale was under consideration. However, U.S. law currently prohibits F-35 sales to Turkey as long as it retains the S-400 system, which poses a security risk. One proposed solution involves sending the Russian system to a third country, though no agreement has been reached and Russia's approval would be required. Trump's visit is the first by a U.S. president to Turkey in 11 years.
Defense NewsUS will lift sanctions on Turkey, possibly sell F-35 fighter jets, Trump says
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 7, 2026, that the United States would lift sanctions imposed on Turkey in 2020 over Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 defense missiles. Trump expressed willingness to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, a fellow NATO ally, calling Turkey 'much more loyal' than other countries. The sanctions had removed Turkey from the F-35 program and targeted a major Turkish defense company. Trump made the announcement before meeting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a NATO summit in Turkey. However, U.S. law currently prohibits F-35 sales to Turkey as long as it retains the S-400 system, which poses a security risk. One potential solution under discussion involves sending the Russian system to a third country, though no agreement has been reached and Russia's approval would be required. Trump's visit is the first by a U.S. president to Turkey in 11 years.
Defense NewsUS will lift sanctions on Turkey, possibly sell F-35 fighter jets, Trump says
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 7, 2026, that Washington would lift sanctions imposed on Turkey in 2020 over Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 defense missiles. Speaking before a meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump also expressed willingness to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to the fellow NATO ally, despite a U.S. law prohibiting such sales as long as Turkey retains the S-400 system. The sanctions had removed Turkey from the F-35 program and targeted a major Turkish defense company. Trump praised Turkey as more loyal than other allies. One potential solution under discussion involves sending the Russian S-400 system to a third country, though no agreement has been reached and Russia's approval would be required. Trump's visit is the first by a U.S. president to Turkey in 11 years.
Military TimesTrump Moves to Lift Turkey Sanctions, Paving Way for F-35 Reinstatement
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the U.S. will lift sanctions on Turkey imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) after Turkey purchased a Russian missile defense system, which led to its 2019 removal from the F-35 fighter jet program. The move, announced during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the presidential palace in Ankara ahead of the NATO summit, could ease Turkey's path back to the F-35 program, a key goal for Erdogan. Trump praised his warm relationship with Erdogan, stating 'Sometimes you get along with the toughest people.' Separately, NATO showcased billions in defense investments, including a deal for Saab to supply up to 10 GlobalEye surveillance aircraft for a 10-nation consortium. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called the investments 'money well spent,' while Trump continued to criticize allies for insufficient defense spending and refusal to join the Iran war.
Fortune | FORTUNETrump Announces Plan to Lift Sanctions on Turkey for F-35 Purchase
President Trump announced during a NATO summit meeting with Turkish President Erdogan that he plans to lift sanctions to allow Turkey to purchase F-35 fighter jets. The sanctions were originally imposed during Trump's first term after Turkey acquired Russia's S-400 missile defense system, violating the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which prohibits transferring the jets unless Turkey no longer possesses the Russian system. The move faces bipartisan opposition in Congress, with ten lawmakers writing a letter opposing the sale. Israel also opposes the sale, with Prime Minister Netanyahu stating it would upset the Middle East power balance. The Trump administration has already allowed the sale of F110 engines to Turkey and settled a lawsuit against Turkish bank Halkbank for violating Iran sanctions, leading critics to argue Trump is appeasing Turkey at the expense of U.S. national security.
The New RepublicTrump Announces Plan to Lift Sanctions on Turkey for F-35 Purchase
President Trump announced during a NATO summit meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan that he plans to lift sanctions to allow Turkey to purchase F-35 fighter jets. The move would reverse a ban imposed during Trump's first term after Turkey acquired Russia's S-400 missile defense system, which triggered sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act prohibits transferring the jets unless Turkey no longer possesses the Russian system. Trump did not clarify if the sanctions relief would apply to other countries. The plan faces bipartisan opposition in Congress, with ten lawmakers signing a letter opposing the sale. Israel also opposes the deal, with Prime Minister Netanyahu arguing it would upset the Middle Eastern power balance. The Trump administration has already approved the sale of F110 jet engines to Turkey and settled a lawsuit against Turkish bank Halkbank for violating Iran sanctions, leading critics to argue the president is appeasing Turkey at the expense of U.S. national security.
The New RepublicTrump Says US Will Consider Selling F-35s to Turkey
US President Donald Trump stated that Washington would consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, signaling a potential reversal of the 2019 decision to remove Turkey from the program over its purchase of a Russian S-400 missile system. Speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a NATO summit, Trump said the F-35 is 'the best plane by far' and that the US would 'consider' the sale. He also indicated he would lift CAATSA sanctions imposed on Turkey, saying 'We don’t want to sanction friends.' Erdoğan expressed confidence that Trump would resolve the issue, noting Trump had given his word. The move has raised concerns in Israel and Greece, who are wary of Turkey's return to the F-35 program. Lifting sanctions requires congressional approval, adding uncertainty to the outcome.
EuractivTrump says US will consider selling F-35s to Turkey, lifting sanctions
US President Donald Trump stated that Washington would consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, reversing the 2019 removal from the program over Turkey's purchase of a Russian S-400 missile system. Speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a NATO summit in Ankara, Trump said the F-35 is 'the best plane by far' and that the US would consider the sale. He also indicated he would lift CAATSA sanctions imposed on Turkey, saying 'We don't want to sanction friends.' Erdoğan expressed confidence that Trump would resolve the dispute, noting Trump had given his word. Turkey has long sought readmittance to the F-35 program and the lifting of sanctions, which have strained bilateral ties and hampered Turkish defense projects. The decision on sanctions, however, also requires congressional approval.
EuractivTrump Expected to Support Potential Sale of F-35 Jets to Türkiye
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to support the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye during a visit to Ankara for a NATO summit, according to two sources. The move would be a major gesture to Turkish President Erdogan, with whom Trump has warm ties. However, legal and congressional hurdles remain, primarily due to Türkiye's 2019 acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system, which led to its removal from the F-35 program and U.S. sanctions. A possible solution under discussion involves sending the S-400 system to a third country, though no agreement has been reached. The White House and Turkish Foreign Ministry have not commented. The news follows the Trump administration's recent notification to Congress of a $700 million jet engine sale for Türkiye's indigenous combat jet.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Netanyahu Warns US Against Fighter Jet Deal with Turkey at NATO Summit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an urgent warning against a potential US-Turkey fighter jet deal ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. In a Fox News interview, Netanyahu said delivering F-35 jets or F110 engines to Turkey would disrupt the Middle East's balance of power, which Israel and the US have guaranteed. US President Donald Trump has signaled he may make Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan 'very happy' with arms deals, including around 40 F110 engines for Turkey's Kaan stealth aircraft. However, the sale faces resistance in the US Congress, particularly from Democrat Gregory Meeks, who accuses the administration of bypassing oversight and ignoring security concerns such as Turkey's possession of Russian S-400 systems. The two-day NATO summit is expected to feature announcements of billions in arms sales. Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program in 2019 after acquiring Russian missile defenses, but Trump has since improved ties with Erdoğan.
taz.de - taz.deNetanyahu Warns US Against Fighter Jet Deal with Turkey at NATO Summit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an urgent warning to the US against delivering F-35 fighter jets or engines to Turkey, stating it would disrupt the Middle East balance of power. The warning came ahead of the two-day NATO summit in Ankara, where US President Donald Trump is expected to promise Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan around 40 F110 fighter jet engines for Turkey's KAAN stealth aircraft. Trump has sought to improve relations with Erdogan, despite Turkey's 2019 exclusion from the F-35 program after acquiring Russian S-400 missile systems. The proposed arms deal faces resistance in the US Congress, with Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks blocking the sale and accusing the administration of bypassing congressional oversight. The summit may also involve announcements of billions of dollars in high-end US weapons systems purchases by Turkey.
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