Trump to consider giving Turkey F-35 jets amid disappointment with European allies

As Turkey emerges as the model ally for the United States amid frustrations with other European allies, President Donald Trump said that he would allow Ankara to purchase F-35 jets despite its continued reliance on Russian-made defense systems. 

“It’s a decision we’re going to make,” Trump said at Ankara’s Beştepe Presidential Compound as he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit.

"We have a better relationship with Turkey, and Turkey's been, in many ways, much more loyal than other countries that we think would be loyal," said Trump. "So, it's something, certainly, we would consider. It's a great plane, it's the best, currently the best plane by far, and it's certainly something we will consider."

At the same summit, Trump expressed disappointment over other NATO allies and their reluctance to join U.S. military operations to reopen and patrol the Strait of Hormuz, and as the United States reevaluates its traditional security role in Europe. The Trump administration has called for rebooting NATO to “NATO 3.0,” which Secretary of War Pete Hegseth described in Brussels earlier this year as a "real hard-line military alliance." 

Turkey was removed from the U.S. F-35 program in 2019 and sanctioned in 2020 after Ankara acquired the S-400 air defense systems designed and manufactured by Russia, which the U.S. said posed a major security threat. U.S. officials and lawmakers worried that permitting Turkey to use the F-35 fighters would allow Russia to collect data on the aircraft's stealth capabilities. 

However, Trump told reporters at the summit in a meeting with Turkey’s President Erdoğan that he was not concerned about Turkey using Russian air defense systems, telling reporters, “I have no concerns about anything having to do with Turkey.” 

Vice President JD Vance also said in June during an Oval Office meeting with Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that the administration was reviewing the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. In that meeting, Trump hinted that his visit to Turkey could include a “big gift bag” to Ankara. Ahead of the president's visit to the Turkish capital this week, the administration announced that it would sell dozens of jet engines worth $750 million to the country, bypassing congressional authority. 

In recent months, Trump has frequently praised President Erdoğan, particularly for staying out of the war with Iran despite, in Trump's words, not being "a big fan of Israel."

“Sometimes you get along with the toughest people, like him," Trump said, gesturing to Erdoğan during the meeting in Ankara. 
“They've been extraordinary in many ways with respect to our relationship, including trying to end the war with Iran, or whatever you call it, it's not even a war...it's a denuclearization." 

Trump said he thought the U.S. had an “obligation” to maintain engines of planes Turkey bought, because Turkey had been “more helpful” with Iran than other NATO allies. 

Later, Trump said in response to questions from reporters that his Cabinet officials were also working to lift sanctions on Turkey, saying, "It's time." 

Meanwhile, Erdoğan said that the U.S. president had already promised five F-35 fighter jets. "As you know, the topic of the F-35 is not new for us, and we have previously discussed this issue with [the U.S.]," Erdoğan said, as translated by CBS News. "And we have secured the five jets and Mr. Trump also promised us.”

In contrast to his praise for Erdoğan, Trump expressed disappointment with other NATO countries whom he frequently criticizes for not spending enough on defense. The Trump administration has been pushing NATO countries to invest 5% of their GDP in defense by 2035, up from the previous 2%.

"I was very disappointed with NATO. And frankly, if it weren't held in Turkey, where my friend happens to be a very strong leader, a very strong person, it's possible that I wouldn't have attended,” Trump said. 

Trump singled out those allies he said had declined to assist the U.S. in regard to Iran. 

“In a way, I was testing people,” Trump said. “Italy turned us down, and Germany turned us down and France turned us down. And it's okay, but why are we spending hundreds of billions of dollars, and they're not there for us? We've always been there for them,” said the president. 

Trump’s remarks came during the two-day NATO alliance summit hosted by Turkey in its capital of Ankara. Turkey had taken extensive security measures ahead of this week’s meetings, with widespread closure of roads around the city and the opening of a newly renovated Ankara Airport for delegations to use. 

Ahead of the summit, the Pentagon announced a review of troops deployed in Europe, which Hegseth said could last up to six months, with the U.S. already cutting back some military contributions as part of "NATO 3.0." 

At the summit, NATO leaders sought clarity on possible plans by America to draw down troops from Europe. Trump, when asked whether he was satisfied with the spending plans the allies were presenting to meet the new target and whether he planned to announce additional troop reductions, said, “We’re going to see.” 

The NATO summit, which includes nations in the world’s largest military alliance, is a critical test for the 32 member countries as they pledge their commitment to one another’s security. 

On Wednesday, the focus on collective security will shift to conflict zones, with President Trump slated to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. 

Christina Park is a reporter for Just the News. Follow her on X for more coverage.