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US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Washington is preparing to lift sanctions imposed on Turkey over its purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile defence system, a move that could reopen discussions on Ankara’s possible return to the F-35 fighter jet programme.
Speaking after talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump said members of his administration were working on removing sanctions imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). He added that the sale of F-35 aircraft to Turkey was “certainly something we will consider.”
Turkey was removed from the multinational F-35 programme in 2019 following its acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 air defence system, which prompted strong objections from the United States and other NATO allies.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of US-Turkey relations during their meeting.
Trump praised Turkey’s cooperation with Washington on regional security matters and said his personal relationship with Erdogan had contributed to close coordination between the two countries.
Meanwhile, NATO unveiled a series of major multinational defence initiatives aimed at strengthening the alliance’s military capabilities.
Among the most significant announcements was a plan to acquire up to 10 GlobalEye airborne surveillance aircraft from Swedish defence company Saab to replace NATO’s ageing AWACS fleet.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described the investments as “money well spent,” saying the new projects would enhance the alliance’s intelligence, surveillance and operational readiness.
The alliance also announced plans to purchase additional Airbus refuelling and transport aircraft and up to five Triton surveillance drones.
Although specific contract values were not disclosed, some projects are expected to benefit from a European Union defence financing programme worth up to $170 billion.
Trump again urged NATO members to increase defence spending, while US defence officials promoted a broader “NATO 3.0” concept that envisions European allies assuming greater responsibility for the continent’s security.
The possibility of Turkey’s return to the F-35 programme emerged as one of the summit’s most closely watched issues.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly urged Washington not to approve such a sale, arguing that it could affect the military balance in the Middle East.
Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his appeal for NATO membership, saying Ukraine’s combat-tested armed forces would strengthen the alliance amid growing concerns about potential Russian hybrid threats against Europe.
The developments underscored the summit’s dual focus: reinforcing NATO’s military capabilities while navigating complex geopolitical disputes involving Turkey, Ukraine and the alliance’s broader security strategy.