Trump hints at a decision that could strengthen Turkey's position in NATO
Donald Trump said he might make a decision that would “make Turkey very happy” ahead of the NATO summit. This refers to the possible advancement of defense agreements between the U.S. and Ankara, including the supply of engines for the Turkish KAAN fighter jet. At the same time, Turkey’s return to the F-35 program—from which it was excluded in 2019—remains a key issue.
On the eve of the NATO summit in Ankara, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he may soon make a decision that will significantly impact relations with Turkey and, in his words, “make them very happy.” “I’ll probably do something that will make them (Turkey) very happy,” Trump said, responding to journalists’ questions about the U.S.’s next steps ahead of the summit, which is scheduled for July 7–8.
According to Euractiv, the Trump administration has already notified Congress of its intention to approve the sale of American engines for Turkey’s fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet. The potential deal is worth approximately 613 million euros, and the aircraft itself is currently in the development stage. At the same time, the main topic of discussion remains Turkey’s possible return to the F-35 program. Ankara was excluded from the program in 2019 following its purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems, a move that drew a sharp reaction from Washington and NATO allies.
The issue of Turkey’s return to the program remains politically sensitive. As the publication notes, Israel and Greece have consistently opposed the transfer of F-35s to Turkey, arguing that it would shift the balance of power in the region. Greece has already ordered these aircraft, while Israel uses its own modified version. “The Americans will make the decision, and America has its own interests. Israel believes that, at this stage, supplying these aircraft to Turkey is not in the best interest of our region,” said Noam Katz, Israel’s ambassador to Greece, in an interview with Euractiv.
According to journalists, initiatives are already being prepared in the U.S. Congress that could block the sale of F-35s to Turkey. In particular, Representative Dina Titus is gathering signatures for a corresponding resolution. At the same time, a possible compromise is being discussed in diplomatic and intelligence circles. The discussion centers on the sale of engines for the KAAN, which is considered a more likely step, while a return to the F-35 program may depend on the issue of Russian S-400 systems.
Among the options being discussed is the transfer of these systems to a third country, which could pave the way for Turkey’s return to the F-35 program. South Korea has been mentioned in the media as one of the potential buyers. At the same time, tensions are rising among regional players. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel takes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s statements seriously and will raise this issue in negotiations with the United States.
Thus, on the eve of the NATO summit, U.S. defense policy toward Turkey is once again becoming one of the key elements of transatlantic negotiations, where security interests, regional balance, and broader geopolitics intertwine. This is reported by Euractiv.
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