Turkey Signs Lobbying Deal to Revive F-35 Jet Sales Amid US-Turkey Tensions

Turkey has signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract with American lobbying firm Ballard Partners, known for its strong ties to former US President Donald Trump, to promote the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Ankara. The agreement, signed on August 8, includes a monthly fee of $200,000 and involves government relations and strategic consulting services. This is not the first collaboration between Turkey and Ballard Partners, which previously worked on issues related to the Turkish state bank Halkbank and US sanctions.

Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan insisted on purchasing Russian S-400 air defense systems, leading to US sanctions under the CAATSA law. These sanctions classify Turkey as a rival to the US, barring it from acquiring advanced military technology like the F-35. Currently, Turkey is exploring selling its S-400 systems to a third country, such as the United Arab Emirates, in hopes of easing tensions and rejoining the F-35 program, a move supported by Trump despite concerns over regional air superiority.

Ballard Partners' team includes former Democratic Congressman Robert Wexler, a founder of the US-Turkey Congressional Caucus with strong pro-Israel connections, and Thomas Bodri, a former Trump aide and senior legislative official at the National Security Council. The lobbying effort reflects a strategic attempt by Turkey to navigate US political channels and revive its participation in the F-35 program amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.

The Turkish media has reported investigations against the lobbying firm, highlighting the sensitive nature of this renewed engagement. The development underscores the complex interplay between US-Turkey relations, defense procurement, and regional security dynamics.