Trump Proposes Lifting Turkey Sanctions to Resume F-35 Fighter Jet Sales at NATO Summit

Turkey F-35 Fighter Jet Program Access·Latest event July 11, 2026

Jul 8

Trump Proposes Lifting Turkey Sanctions to Resume F-35 Fighter Jet Sales at NATO Summit

During a NATO summit in Ankara, President Trump announced he is considering lifting sanctions on Turkey to allow for the sale of F-35 fighter jets. Turkish officials are currently requesting the delivery of six F-35 jets if the standing ban is reversed. The administration is exploring these options even as some critics argue against restoring defense ties with Ankara. The plan faces immediate diplomatic and legislative challenges. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the sale. In Washington, a proposed house resolution seeks to block the transfer of jet engine technology and technical support to Turkey.

Trump considers lifting Turkey's sanctions to sell them F-35 jetsTurkey in Line to Receive Six F-35 Jets If Trump Unblocks SaleHegseth to meet Netanyahu over possible sale of F-35s to Turkey, source tells Reuters

Jul 7

Trump Lifts Turkey Sanctions and Considers F-35 Sales as House Resolution Moves to Block Engine Exports

President Trump announced during a NATO summit that the United States will lift sanctions on Turkey and is considering the sale of F-35 fighter jets. This decision marks a potential reversal of a 2019 ban imposed after Turkey acquired a Russian defense system. While the F-35 deal is not yet final, the State Department recently bypassed congressional opposition to proceed with a $700 million sale of jet engines and technical support. Lawmakers are working to stop these exports through a new joint resolution that would block the transfer of engine technology. Some members of Congress and foreign leaders have criticized the plan, warning that selling advanced hardware to Turkey could expose U.S. technology to Russia.

H.J.Res. 200Blocking Military Engine Sales to TurkeyTrump weighs allowing Turkey to have F-35s as NATO summit begins in AnkaraTrump Says U.S. Will Lift Turkey Sanctions, 'Consider' Selling Them F-35sDo not sell Turkey the F-35

Jul 7

Netanyahu Opposes Trump Plan to Restore Turkey F-35 Sales and Lift Sanctions

President Trump announced plans to lift sanctions on Turkey and reconsider the country's access to the F-35 fighter jet program. This move follows a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Trump stated he would consider selling the advanced jets to Turkey. This reverses a ban imposed after Turkey purchased a Russian missile defense system. The proposal faces immediate international and domestic pushback. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly opposed the sale because of concerns over Turkey's diplomatic alignment. Within the United States, the plan is expected to trigger a confrontation with Congress as lawmakers review the security risks.

Trump's Push for F-35 Deal With Turkey Sets Up Potential Clash With CongressExclusive: Netanyahu tells CNN he opposes US sale of F-35 jets to Turkey as he downplays divisions with TrumpTrump says will lift sanctions on Turkiye, 'consider' selling F-35s

Jul 7

Trump Pledges to Lift Turkey Sanctions but Refrains From Finalizing F-35 Fighter Jet Sale

During a meeting at the NATO summit, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will lift sanctions on Turkey that were originally imposed after the country purchased a Russian missile defense system. While Trump praised President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a key ally, he stopped short of officially approving the sale of F-35 fighter jets at this time. The potential for renewed arms sales has already faced international pushback. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed opposition to the F-35 sale to Turkey, citing regional security concerns as Russia prepares to deliver Su-35 jets to Iran.

Trump says in Erdogan meeting that U.S. will lift Turkey sanctionsIsrael Opposes Turkey F-35 Sale As Russia Prepares Iran Su-35 DeliveryTrump praises Turkish leader, stops short of approving fighter-jet sale

Jul 7

President Trump Pledges to Lift Turkey Sanctions and Reopen F-35 Fighter Jet Sales

During a NATO summit in Ankara, President Trump announced his intention to lift sanctions on Turkey and praised President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a vital ally. Trump stated he would remove penalties previously imposed because of Turkey's purchase of Russian military equipment. He also indicated he is considering the sale of F-35 fighter jets to the country and dismissed concerns about the potential security risks of the deal. Any transfer of the jets still faces legal restrictions under the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. This law requires the U.S. government to certify that Turkey no longer has the Russian S-400 missile system before any F-35 equipment can be delivered. These mandatory legal rules were created to protect stealth technology and limit Russian influence within the NATO alliance.

Section 1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020Trump lauds Erdogan and announces he'll lift Turkey sanctions as NATO summit begins in AnkaraTrump says he will lift Turkey sanctions, decide on selling F-35sTrump signals openness to selling Turkey F-35 fighter jets