Trump Considers Selling F-35 Jets to Turkey During Ankara Meeting with Erdogan

U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a joint press conference in Ankara amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as efforts to reshape global security arrangements. During the meeting, Trump praised Erdogan as a respected global leader and expressed strong personal rapport, stating, "You are a great and respected leader worldwide. We have good chemistry."

Significantly, Trump indicated that the U.S. is considering resuming the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, a program previously frozen. He said, "This is a decision we are going to make. Why not do it? Turkey has been more loyal than other countries. This is something we are considering." Erdogan acknowledged the issue was not new and recalled prior discussions with the U.S., mentioning a promise of five jets.

The talks also covered the war in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza and Syria, U.S.-Turkey relations, expanding bilateral security cooperation, and Trump's demand for NATO countries to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a sharp warning to Erdogan, condemning his calls for Israel's destruction and hosting of Hamas, stating, "Such a regime should not receive aircraft."

The meeting reflects a potential shift in U.S.-Turkey military relations amid broader geopolitical tensions and ongoing regional conflicts.