Ankara, April 18 - Turkey is changing its plans for getting new fighter jets. They’re now less focused on buying F-16s from the United States and more interested in rejoining the F-35 program. This shift was reported by Middle East Eye on April 15, 2025. Turkey aims to equip its air force with better technology because of complex regional politics. The decision is significant because Turkey has to consider its defense needs, regional security, and its relations with the U.S., especially under President Donald Trump.
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Initially, Turkey wanted to buy $23 billion worth of F-16s, but it lowered this to $7 billion last year. They plan to purchase 40 F-16 Viper jets and ammunition, but decided against upgrading their current aircraft with 79 modernization kits. Although the U.S. Congress approved the sale, talks between Turkey’s defense ministry and Lockheed Martin, the jets' manufacturer, have stalled. Turkey is contemplating redirecting $1.4 billion, already paid for the F-16s, to acquire F-35 jets, if Trump allows Turkey back into the F-35 program. This switch is possible because Lockheed Martin makes both jets, allowing flexibility in fund allocation. However, there’s a long wait for F-16s—Bulgaria, for example, is waiting three years for its jets. These delays are a concern for Turkey, as it needs new jets promptly for diverse military operations.
Turkey was cut from the F-35 program in 2019 due to its purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems. The U.S. worried these could be used against the F-35’s tech, leading to sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and preventing delivery of six F-35s already paid for. In March 2025, President Erdogan called Trump, urging the removal of these sanctions and completion of both the F-16 sale and Turkey’s return to the F-35 program. Negotiations now focus on resolving the S-400 problem, with experts seeking ways to make the system less threatening. Successful resolution could boost defense collaboration, potentially including a $20 billion deal for spare parts and ammunition.
Regional issues further complicate Turkey’s situation. Israel, a close U.S. ally, opposes Turkey getting F-35s, worried about Turkey’s growing power and their strained relationship since the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident. Forbes reported on April 15, 2025, that Israel’s military edge, protected by U.S. law, could block the deal, even if the S-400 issue is sorted out. Meanwhile, Turkey has introduced its own domestically developed KAAN fighter jet, showing it wants to rely less on foreign equipment. However, the KAAN won’t be ready for several years, so the F-35 is an attractive short-term option. Turkey’s push for the F-35 reflects its goals to align with NATO’s tech standards and to address immediate security needs. The outcome of ongoing talks between the U.S. and Turkey is crucial. These negotiations, expected to intensify around Erdogan’s planned visit to the White House in April 2025, will determine if Turkey can secure the F-35 jets, potentially reshaping its role in regional and international affairs.