Trump Signals Readiness to Consider F-35 Sale to Turkey

President Donald Trump has expressed openness to selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, describing the NATO ally as a "wonderful ally" and noting the U.S. obligation regarding spare parts for its customers. Speaking during a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump stated he has "no concerns" about the transaction. Erdogan further claimed that the issue is not new and that a promise was made for Turkey to receive five of the advanced stealth aircraft.

Strategic Context and Regional Balance

Turkey was originally a partner in the F-35 program but was removed following its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, which Washington argued posed a security risk to the stealth technology. The potential reversal of this policy comes amid a broader shift in U.S. regional diplomacy under the Trump administration, including the recent 'Islamabad Agreement' with Iran. In Israel, the prospect of Turkey acquiring the F-35 is viewed with caution. Israeli journalist Noam Amir assessed that while the Israeli Air Force (IAF) would likely retain its qualitative technological edge, such a sale would significantly alter the regional balance of power.

Israeli Security Concerns

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously issued warnings regarding Turkish military acquisitions, and Israeli security circles remain wary of Erdogan's unpredictable foreign policy and anti-Israel rhetoric. Analysts suggest that while the IAF maintains advanced versions and unique modifications of the F-35 (the F-35I 'Adir'), the introduction of the platform to the Turkish arsenal would erode the near-total air superiority Israel currently enjoys in the Eastern Mediterranean. The move is seen as a direct challenge to Jerusalem's efforts to maintain its Qualitative Military Edge (QME) as mandated by U.S. law.