Israel and Greece Worry as Trump Considers Returning Turkey to F-35 Program
Concerns are rising in Israel and Greece amid indications that the Trump administration is considering allowing Turkey back into the F-35 stealth fighter jet program. This development was reported by the European news site Euractiv. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a move that would greatly please Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara next week. Concurrently, Reuters reported that the U.S. administration has informed Congress of its intent to approve the sale of American engines worth approximately 613 million euros for Turkey's KAAN fighter jet, which is still under development.
The key question remains whether Washington will also permit Turkey to purchase F-35 jets. Turkey was expelled from the F-35 program in July 2019 after acquiring the Russian S-400 air defense system, a move the U.S. said jeopardized the sensitive technology of the F-35. Both Israel and Greece have consistently opposed Turkey’s re-entry into the program, arguing it would undermine their technological edge and alter the regional balance of power. Greece has already ordered F-35s, while the Israeli Air Force operates a unique version of the jet, which has been active in operations in Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
Israel’s ambassador to Greece, Noam Katz, told Euractiv in May that Turkey’s hostile actions in the region justify continued U.S. opposition to its return to the F-35 program. He said, "The Americans will decide based on their interests, but Israel believes that at this stage, supplying jets to Turkey is undesirable in our region." Meanwhile, Democratic Congresswoman Dina Titus is rallying support for a letter urging Congress to block any F-35 sales to Turkey.
A regional intelligence source told Euractiv that approval of the KAAN engine sale is likely to proceed, but any breakthrough on the F-35 issue may depend on Turkey transferring its S-400 system to a third country rather than returning it to Russia. South Korea has been mentioned as a possible recipient. The report also highlighted escalating political tensions between Israel and Turkey. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel takes Erdogan’s threats seriously and will raise the matter with the U.S. administration. The report noted that Israeli companies produce key components for the F-35 program, including wing parts and the pilot helmet display system developed by Elbit Systems. Jerusalem would be displeased if these Israeli-made parts were to be installed on Turkish fighter jets.
