09.07.2026 08:30
US President Donald Trump made notable statements during the NATO Summit in Ankara, saying Turkey would soon receive F-35 fighter jets. However, in his final remarks before leaving Turkey, he used expressions interpreted as a step back on the F-35 issue, stating, "So, I haven't fully decided yet whether we will do that."
US President Donald Trump came to Ankara as part of the 36th NATO Summit and met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In a joint statement held at Beştepe, Trump delivered striking messages regarding Turkey.
Trump stated that the CAATSA sanctions, which took effect in 2017 after Turkey purchased the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, would be lifted.
The US President also said in his statement on Tuesday that they are seriously considering giving F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. On Wednesday, he praised the Turkish Armed Forces, saying, 'They will soon receive the F-35s as well.'
F-35 STATEMENT CREATED EXCITEMENT
Trump's statements were seen as a positive development for the F-35 program, which Turkey has wanted to rejoin for many years. It was also brought up again that Turkey had previously made billions of dollars in payments under the program.
Despite restrictive regulations in the US Congress, expectations that Trump might take a step regarding the F-35 delivery created an optimistic atmosphere in Ankara.
HE SPOKE DIFFERENTLY BEFORE LEAVING
However, Trump's final statement before leaving Turkey overshadowed the optimistic atmosphere that had formed.
Responding to a question about the F-35s at the final press conference at Beştepe, Trump said, 'Well, I haven't fully decided yet whether we are going to do this or not.'
This statement from Trump revealed that the process regarding Turkey's return to the F-35 program has not yet been clarified.