On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s firm stance on the long-delayed procurement of F-35 fighter jets from the United States, underscoring the nation’s determination to see the issue resolved. Speaking at a reception held in the Turkish parliament, Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye had fulfilled its financial obligations for the advanced stealth aircraft but has yet to receive delivery. “We told them, ‘We paid, yet you still haven’t delivered the F-35s. That’s it. Now we’re following up,’” he stated, signaling Ankara’s intent to pursue the matter with renewed vigor.
The issue of the F-35 jets has been a contentious point in Türkiye-U.S. relations for several years, rooted in a complex web of geopolitical, military, and diplomatic considerations. The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole fighters designed to perform ground attack and air superiority missions. Türkiye was an early partner in the F-35 program, contributing both financially and industrially as a Level 3 partner nation. Turkish companies were involved in manufacturing components for the aircraft, and the country initially committed to purchasing 100 F-35A variants to bolster its air force capabilities.
However, the delivery process was halted in 2019 when the United States removed Türkiye from the F-35 program, citing concerns over Ankara’s acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. The U.S. argued that the S-400 posed a potential threat to the security of the F-35’s stealth technology, as Russia could theoretically gain access to sensitive data through the integration of the systems. This decision led to the suspension of F-35 deliveries to Türkiye and the eventual exclusion of Turkish companies from the program’s supply chain, a move that cost Türkiye both economically and strategically.
Erdogan’s remarks on Wednesday come in the wake of a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The discussion, which covered a range of bilateral issues, prominently featured the F-35 dispute. Following the meeting, Trump described the conversation as “very good,” particularly with regard to “the purchase of military equipment.” While the U.S. president did not elaborate on specific outcomes, his comments suggest that the F-35 issue remains a key point of negotiation between the two NATO allies.
The White House meeting was a significant moment for Türkiye-U.S. relations, which have experienced periods of strain in recent years. Beyond the F-35 controversy, the two nations have grappled with differences over issues such as Türkiye’s military operations in Syria, its stance on regional conflicts, and its growing ties with Russia. The S-400 purchase, in particular, has been a major sticking point, as it led not only to Türkiye’s exclusion from the F-35 program but also to sanctions under the U.S. Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in 2020. These sanctions targeted Türkiye’s defense industry, further complicating bilateral ties.
Erdogan’s latest statements reflect Türkiye’s unwillingness to let the F-35 issue fade into the background. By publicly addressing the matter at a parliamentary reception, the Turkish leader is signaling both to domestic audiences and the international community that Ankara remains committed to securing the jets it paid for. Türkiye’s financial contribution to the F-35 program, estimated at over $1.4 billion, underscores the stakes involved. The funds were intended to cover the cost of the jets as well as Türkiye’s role in the program’s supply chain, which included manufacturing parts such as landing gear components and fuselage sections.
The F-35 issue is not merely a matter of military procurement but also a test of Türkiye’s standing within NATO and its broader relationship with the United States. As a key NATO member with one of the alliance’s largest militaries, Türkiye plays a critical role in regional security, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. The acquisition of advanced fighter jets like the F-35 would significantly enhance Türkiye’s air force capabilities, enabling it to maintain a strategic edge in a volatile region. Without the F-35s, Türkiye has had to explore alternative options, including bolstering its domestic defense industry and considering other foreign suppliers, such as Russia or European nations.
In recent years, Türkiye has made significant strides in developing its indigenous defense capabilities, including the production of drones, naval vessels, and the TAI TF Kaan, a fifth-generation fighter jet under development. While these efforts demonstrate Türkiye’s resolve to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers, the F-35 remains a highly coveted asset due to its advanced stealth features, sensor fusion, and interoperability with NATO systems. The jets would provide Türkiye with a significant technological advantage, particularly in scenarios involving regional rivals or complex air defense environments.
The renewed focus on the F-35 issue also reflects broader shifts in Türkiye-U.S. relations. The White House meeting between Erdogan and Trump was seen as an opportunity to reset ties after years of tension. Both leaders expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation, with Trump emphasizing the importance of the bilateral relationship in addressing regional challenges. The F-35 discussion, while not resolved, appears to be part of a broader effort to find common ground. Analysts suggest that a resolution could involve compromises, such as Türkiye agreeing to stricter controls over its S-400 systems or the U.S. offering alternative military equipment to bridge the gap.
However, any resolution will likely face significant hurdles. The U.S. Congress, which has been vocal in its criticism of Türkiye’s ties with Russia, plays a key role in approving major defense deals. Lawmakers have previously expressed reluctance to reintegrate Türkiye into the F-35 program without clear assurances regarding the S-400. Additionally, domestic political dynamics in both countries could complicate negotiations. In Türkiye, Erdogan faces pressure to demonstrate strength and secure the jets, while in the U.S., the Biden administration (or its successor) must navigate a complex political landscape shaped by competing foreign policy priorities.
Looking ahead, Türkiye’s pursuit of the F-35s is likely to remain a focal point of its foreign policy. Erdogan’s comments suggest that Ankara is prepared to engage in sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue, potentially leveraging its strategic importance to the U.S. and NATO. The outcome of these efforts will have far-reaching implications, not only for Türkiye’s military capabilities but also for the broader trajectory of U.S.-Türkiye relations. For now, Erdogan’s message is clear: Türkiye expects the U.S. to honor its commitments, and Ankara is ready to keep the pressure on until a resolution is reached.
In conclusion, the F-35 saga encapsulates the complexities of modern defense diplomacy, where military, political, and economic considerations intersect. As Türkiye continues to press for the delivery of the jets, the world will be watching to see whether the two NATO allies can find a path forward. The stakes are high, and the resolution of this issue could set the tone for future cooperation between Ankara and Washington, shaping the strategic landscape of the region for years to come.
