U.S. President Donald Trump dominated the opening day of the NATO Summit in Ankara with remarks signaling his desire to restore Turkey’s participation in the F-35 fighter jet program and lift U.S. sanctions imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Trump received a warm welcome from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan upon arriving in Ankara, with observers describing the atmosphere between the two leaders as notably friendly. The U.S. president arrived aboard Air Force One, while the U.S. ambassador greeted the Turkish military honor guard with the words, “Merhaba asker” (“Hello, soldiers”).
Speaking from the Presidential Palace, Trump said his administration is seriously considering Turkey’s return to the F-35 program.
“Turkey has been more loyal than most countries. The F-35 is the best aircraft in the world, and we are looking into this issue,” Trump said.
He also expressed support for removing the CAATSA sanctions imposed on Ankara.
“We’re going to lift the sanctions. The time has come. We don’t want to sanction our friends, and I don’t want to suffocate my friend with sanctions,” Trump stated.
Trump praised Erdoğan, describing him as “a very close friend” and saying their relationship is “very special.”
“Turkey has a very strong leader and a very powerful military. I have great respect for President Erdoğan,” he said, adding that the two leaders could also discuss developments related to Iran.
For his part, Erdoğan said the issue of the F-35 program is not new and expressed confidence that the United States would honor its commitment regarding Turkey’s participation.
“President Trump always keeps his word on this issue. I believe a positive decision on the F-35 program will be made,” Erdoğan said.
Despite Trump’s optimistic remarks, Turkey’s return to the F-35 program remains complex, as lifting CAATSA sanctions would also require approval from the U.S. Congress.
Beyond the F-35 issue, Turkey is also seeking unconditional participation in the European SAFE defense initiative and aims to strengthen cooperation with the European Union in the defense industry.
The NATO Summit is also focused on increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, expanding military support for Ukraine, and strengthening the Alliance’s defense industrial capacity.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also announced new military procurement agreements worth more than $40 billion over the next five years, calling for a “transatlantic revolution” in defense production to address growing security threats.
