Turkey Pushes for F-35 Return Amid Potential S-400 Resale

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is signaling a diplomatic thaw, expressing renewed optimism that Turkey can resolve its long-standing exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program. The push follows recent indications from President Donald Trump that the U.S. may consider lifting sanctions tied to Ankara’s controversial acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems.

Editorial·July 10, 2026·reads: 522

Turkey Pushes for F-35 Return Amid Potential S-400 Resale

The path to reintegration remains contingent on resolving the friction caused by the S-400 deal, which prompted the U.S. to eject Turkey from the F-35 project in 2019. Fidan maintains that unrestricted defense cooperation is essential for the two NATO allies. To clear these legislative hurdles, Ankara is reportedly exploring a strategic pivot that involves reselling the Russian-made air defense systems to Gulf nations.

While the prospect of a deal gains momentum, the move faces geopolitical complexities. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Moscow and Ankara are actively engaged in discussions regarding the fate of the hardware. Any transfer would require navigating delicate military alignment requirements, yet the potential for a return to the fifth-generation aircraft program marks a significant shift in regional defense policy.

Turkey Pushes for F-35 Return Amid Potential S-400 Resale

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