Donald Trump may approve Türkiye's return to F-35 program

Donald Trump may support approval of a potential sale of fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, AzerNEWS reports, citing The New York Times. The report says Trump could raise the issue with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, but it is unclear how U.S. Congressional restrictions on F-35 sales to Türkiye would be lifted. Sources suggest the two sides might exchange official letters to restart Türkiye’s participation in the program, though a final decision could still change. The United States removed Türkiye from the F-35 program in 2019 after Ankara bought the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. Washington argued operating the S-400 alongside the F-35 could expose sensitive aircraft technology. The F-35 is manufactured by Lockheed Martin.