Turkey is pushing hard to return to the U.S.-led F-35 stealth fighter program, which it was expelled from in 2019 after purchasing Russian S-400 air defense systems.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan argues that rejoining would strengthen NATO’s overall security and improve ties with Washington. He has personally raised the issue with Donald Trump, calling the original expulsion “unjust.”
Trump has repeatedly said he is “very seriously considering” allowing Turkey to buy the advanced jets, even suggesting they would never be used against Israel. However, a major obstacle has emerged: Israel is firmly opposed and appears to hold significant leverage.
The F-35 is a multinational program. While the United States leads it, several partner nations – including Israel – have contributed critical technologies and subsystems. Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel made this point explicitly clear in a January 5, 2026, interview with Kathimerini:
“A lot of the technology inside the airplane is technology produced by Israel. And obviously this is not something that we will share with them… even if they do get those airplanes.”
This means that even if the U.S. government approves a sale, Israel could refuse to allow its proprietary technology to be included – effectively rendering any delivered aircraft incomplete or non-functional for full stealth and sensor capabilities.
Israel’s stance is driven by deep strategic concerns. Relations with Turkey are at their lowest point ever, while defense cooperation with Greece (also an F-35 operator) has never been closer. Israeli officials view Turkey as a regional rival, particularly amid tensions over influence in Syria and Turkey’s support for groups hostile to Israel.
Key Background
- 2019: Turkey removed from F-35 program + hit with CAATSA sanctions due to S-400 purchase.
- 2025–2026: Trump administration explores ways to bring Turkey back (possibly in exchange for concessions on the S-400 or other “deliverables” for America).
- Israel (and some U.S. lawmakers) remain strongly opposed, citing risks to Israel’s qualitative military edge (QME) in the Middle East.
- No final decision has been made; any sale would also require congressional approval.
In short: Trump can push for the deal as much as he wants, but unless Israel agrees to share its technology – which it currently shows no sign of doing – Turkey’s dream of operating fully capable F-35s is likely to remain grounded.
Sources: Bloomberg, Defence Blog
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