Trump Plans Turkey Visit to Announce Potential F-35 Deal with Erdogan

US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Ankara next week to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the NATO summit, according to an AP report. Ahead of the visit, Trump hinted at a significant announcement that could please Erdogan, possibly related to a deal involving F-35 fighter jets and F-110 engines. When asked if he would bring a "big bag of gifts" to Turkey, Trump responded affirmatively, saying, "I will probably do something that will make him very happy."

Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing the Russian S-400 air defense system, which raised concerns in Washington that Russia could gather sensitive information about the stealth jets. Despite this, the Trump administration is exploring ways to renew military cooperation with Ankara and is advancing a deal to sell F-110 engines for Turkey's KAAN fighter jets.

The close personal relationship between Trump and Erdogan is cited as a key factor in the warming ties between the US and Turkey. Trump has previously expressed respect for Erdogan, calling him an "exceptional leader" and a "good friend." The upcoming visit and potential announcements come amid ongoing tensions between Turkey and Israel, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.