Trump plans to lift sanctions and sell F-35 jets to Turkey

The situation regarding Turkey's military procurement has attracted attention as President Donald Trump contemplates lifting sanctions against the country and endorsing the F-35 fighter jet sales. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey has actively requested the U.S. to end sanctions and finalize the procurement process for F-16 jets while aiming for Turkey's re-entry into the F-35 program, which was halted after Turkey acquired the Russian S-400 missile system. This acquisition triggered concerns over potential espionage, as the Russian system could compromise NATO's advanced military technologies. The ongoing dialogue between Trump and Erdoğan signifies a strategic shift in U.S.-Turkey relations, prompted by Turkey's desire to enhance its defense capabilities. Trump appears to view Erdoğan as a deal-maker capable of benefiting U.S. interests, advocating for strong cooperation in defense. The potential agreement suggests options may include limiting Turkey’s access to the S-400 system or disassembling it partially to ensure the F-35 program maintains its integrity and security. The State Department and National Security Council were not available for comments regarding this matter, but the dialogue between the two leaders points towards a crucial period for Turkey's defense industry. Notably, Trump's overtures toward Turkey have led to skepticism among defense analysts. According to Jonathan Schanzer, executive director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, any move by Trump to sell the F-35 jets despite Turkey's prior violations against NATO's trust pushes the boundaries of the established norms within military alliances. It brings into question the ethics of the potential deal, especially when considering Turkey's previous dealings with hostile actors, which can even include the transfer of weaponry to groups involved in targeting various populations. Erdoğan's ambitions extend beyond immediate defense needs, as he is reportedly keen to leverage U.S. technology to further Turkey's own arms industry and military aspirations, including the development of the TF Kaan stealth fighter jet. Analysts warn that permitting Turkey back into the F-35 program could lead to the extraction of sensitive technology that underpins the jet’s capabilities. The fallout from such a decision could challenge U.S. national security, especially in light of Turkey’s evolving alliances and military strategies that have historically aligned with less favorable states. As negotiations continue, the larger implications of Trump's possible decisions regarding Turkey could fundamentally reshape not only NATO’s dynamics but also the global balance of military power and strategic alliances. On one end, compromising on defense technology access sends a message of flexibility to Erdoğan, while on the other, it raises alarms about the security of the U.S. military technology and the principles that protect NATO's cohesion against adversarial influences. Hence, the dilemma for Trump lies in aligning his perceived business interests alongside long-standing strategic partnerships and national security imperatives.