08.07.2026 09:10
After US President Donald Trump announced that CAATSA sanctions on Turkey would be lifted, the F-35 process gained momentum again. The Israeli press claimed that Trump aims to complete Turkey's return to the F-35 program before the US midterm elections in November. According to reports, Israel and Greece have intensified their efforts in Washington to block the sale of F-35s to Turkey.
Statements made by US President Donald Trump following his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara have opened the door to a new era in Turkey-US defense relations.
Trump announced that CAATSA sanctions against Turkey would be lifted, saying, "We will lift the sanctions; it's time."
Emphasizing strong relations with Turkey, Trump stated, "I have no concerns about anything related to Turkey. Right now, our relationship with Turkey is probably better than ever."
CRITICAL STEP FOR RETURN TO F-35 PROGRAM
If CAATSA sanctions are lifted, one of the most significant obstacles to Turkey's re-inclusion in the F-35 fighter jet program will be removed.
Turkey was subjected to CAATSA sanctions in 2020 after purchasing the S-400 air defense system from Russia, and was removed from the F-35 program in the same process.
Ankara had paid approximately $1.4 billion for undelivered F-35 aircraft.
CLAIM: TRUMP WANTS TO COMPLETE BEFORE NOVEMBER
According to Israeli media, the Trump administration aims to expedite the process.
In reports by Israel-based N12 television and public broadcaster KAN, it was claimed that Trump wants to finalize the lifting of CAATSA sanctions and Turkey's return to the F-35 program before the US midterm elections in November.
According to the reports, diplomatic contacts on the matter have also accelerated in Washington.
CONGRESSIONAL OBSTACLE ON AGENDA
According to a New York Times report, while the Trump administration prepares to lift the sanctions, such a decision will be subject to review by the US Congress.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham also warned that the attempt to lift CAATSA could face serious objections in Congress.
US Vice President JD Vance had stated last month that the Pentagon is evaluating whether Turkey meets the necessary legal conditions for returning to the F-35 program.
ISRAEL AND GREECE STEP IN
According to reports in Israeli media, the possibility of Turkey returning to the F-35 program has caused unease in Tel Aviv.
Maariv newspaper reported that Israel continues its efforts in Washington to prevent the sale of F-35s to Turkey.
The report also claimed that Greece has undertaken diplomatic initiatives against the sale of F-35s to Turkey within the US administration and has increased lobbying activities regarding CAATSA and the F-35.
According to Euractiv, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) assess that Turkey's possession of F-35 fighter jets could affect the Israeli Air Force's air superiority in the region.
TURKEY CONTINUES MODERNIZATION PROCESS
Turkey is continuing its work on next-generation fighter jets to modernize its air force.
In this context, it is stated that Ankara aims to procure new F-16 Block 80 aircraft, modernize its existing F-16 fleet, and obtain the necessary engines for the national combat aircraft KAAN program.