Tel Aviv: The renewed positive relations between the presidents of the US and Turkey, decrease the potential Israeli leverage aimed at preventing the sale of F-35 fighter aircraft to Turkey.
Following the acquisition of Russian S-400 air defence systems, which the US and NATO partners deemed a security threat, Turkey was kicked out of the US-led F-35 fighter jet program in 2019. Significant barriers still stand in the way of Turkey’s repeated attempts to re-enter the program and receive the six F-35 aircraft it has already paid for.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, brought up the F-35 issue directly with US President Donald Trump in early 2025, asking for Turkey to rejoin the program. Concerned about preserving their superior military position in the region, Israel and Greece are urging Washington to halt the transfer. Additionally, the US is still considering the wider ramifications for NATO security and alliance trust.
Turkey has not yet regained access to the F-35 program as of May 2025. While diplomatic negotiations have intensified and there are signs of potential movement-especially if Turkey addresses US security concerns regarding the S-400 system-significant political and technical obstacles still remain. The outcome will depend on ongoing negotiations and Turkey’s willingness to compromise on the S-400.
Israeli sources said that the US attitude will take into consideration the role that Turkey plays in the status of the new regime in Syria. Turkey is very active in Syria now with plans to establish its military presence in the country.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
