Newsletters
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said he believes a deal to return Türkiye to the F-35 fighter jet program is achievable, provided Ankara disposes of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system it purchased in 2019, telling CNN ahead of this week's NATO summit in Ankara that the Trump administration is actively negotiating the terms with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
"I think it's very clear what American law requires," Whitaker said, adding that he believed "that's a deal that can happen" and "will happen."
Whitaker described the S-400 as a "condition precedent" under U.S. law, framing the legal constraint not as an obstacle but as a negotiating parameter. He said President Trump is working directly with Erdogan to achieve what the law demands, rather than simply enforcing it by fiat. i
Whitaker acknowledged that even if Türkiye were cleared for re-entry into the program, no jets would be delivered in the near term, citing long production lines and prior commitments to other countries. "These planes would not be delivered tomorrow," he said.
Türkiye was removed from the multinational F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in 2019 after Ankara accepted delivery of the S-400, a Russian air defense system whose sophisticated radar capabilities, U.S. officials have long argued, could expose sensitive data about the stealth jet's operating profile.
The ban was subsequently codified in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which prohibits any transfer of F-35s to Türkiye so long as it possesses or operates the Russian system.
The CNN interview preceded significant reported movement on the Turkish side. According to Turkish media reports, Ankara indicated it is prepared to announce the sale of its S-400 batteries to a third country, with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar named as possible buyers.
Turkish officials have characterized such a move as a "3-0 victory," potentially unlocking not only the removal of U.S. sanctions but also re-entry into the F-35 program and American approval for the transfer of F110 jet engines for Türkiye's domestically developed KAAN fighter jet.
At a joint appearance with Erdogan at the Ankara summit, Trump said the United States would consider selling F-35s to Türkiye and described Ankara as having been "in many ways much more loyal" than some other partners.
Erdogan, for his part, said the two leaders had discussed the jet engine program, dismissed Greek and Israeli objections to the potential sale, and told reporters, "Keep watching us."
The prospective deal has encountered pushback from within the alliance and on Capitol Hill.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised concerns in a phone call with Trump, warning about Erdogan's recent statements regarding Israel and arguing that Türkiye should not receive F-35s or fighter jet engines.
Greece has also objected. In Congress, lawmakers from both parties have cautioned that Türkiye has not yet met the statutory requirements for the sanctions to be lifted, warning that sharing the technology risks it reaching U.S. adversaries.
The Atlantic Council noted after the summit that while there is "more will than ever on both sides" to resolve the dispute, significant hurdles remain: the S-400 disposition is politically sensitive for Ankara, any pathway requires congressional action, and Trump would need to expend considerable political capital to bring a deal across the finish line.
Whitaker struck a broadly optimistic note about Türkiye's place in the alliance regardless of the outcome on the jets. "They are a very capable ally, that they are integrated with the West," he said, adding that Washington should "lean into that relationship." He also credited U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack with ensuring any final arrangement serves American interests.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
