Will Trump give Erdogan his nod for F-35 jet deal? Netanyahu raises ‘power balance’ flag

US President Donald Trump is likely to discuss Turkey's long-pending request to rejoin the F-35 stealth fighter programme during his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the Nato summit in Ankara.

According to a report by The New York Times, citing four senior US administration officials, Trump is likely to tell Erdogan that he is willing to allow Turkey back into the F-35 programme.

However, the report said officials differed on how the administration would overcome existing congressional restrictions linked to Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system. (CAATSA sanctions were imposed on Turkey and lifting these sanctions require approval from the US Congress.)

The expected discussions come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly urged Washington not to supply F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, warning that such a move could alter the military balance in West Asia.

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The New York Times reported that the two leaders could exchange letters outlining a possible path forward on the issue. The White House has not commented on the report.

Turkey was removed from the F-35 programme in 2019 after acquiring the Russian-made S-400 missile defence system. The United States argued that operating the S-400 alongside the F-35 could expose sensitive military technology to Russia.

The US Congress also passed legislation barring F-35 sales as long as Ankara retains the S-400 system.

Despite these restrictions, relations between Washington and Ankara have improved under Trump's presidency. Last month, the Trump administration formally notified Congress of its intention to sell jet engines worth more than $700 million to Turkey, signalling renewed defence engagement.

According to AFP, Trump's visit could also advance discussions on supplying F110 fighter jet engines for Turkey's indigenous KAAN stealth fighter programme. However, the report said a final breakthrough on Turkey's return to the F-35 programme remains unlikely during the summit.

Netanyahu warns against F-35 sale

Netanyahu strongly opposed any move to provide Turkey with F-35 aircraft or their engines, arguing that Israel's qualitative military edge must be preserved.

Speaking to Fox News, the Israeli leader said supplying advanced fighter technology to Turkey would "upset the power balance in the Middle East", adding that Israel's air superiority remains a key pillar of regional stability and US strategic interests.

Netanyahu also criticised Turkish President Erdogan and senior Turkish officials over their recent remarks against Israel. Referring to comments made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Netanyahu accused Ankara of adopting increasingly hostile rhetoric toward the Jewish state.

Defence ties under scrutiny

Turkey is seeking advanced engines and renewed access to the F-35 programme to strengthen its domestic KAAN fighter project as it aims to join the small group of countries capable of producing fifth-generation combat aircraft.

While Trump's meeting with Erdogan is expected to focus on broader defence cooperation, any decision on the F-35 programme is likely to face legal hurdles and congressional scrutiny.