F-35 fighter jets produced for Turkey remain in U.S. hangars

New footage has emerged showing F-35A fighter jets manufactured for Turkey being held in hangars within the United States. Although Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 following its acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system, aircraft produced for the country remain in U.S. storage.

Reports indicate that six F-35As belonging to Turkey are currently held in U.S. warehouses, for which approximately $1.4 billion has been paid. The transfer of these aircraft is currently blocked by a 2019 U.S. Congressional mandate, which prohibits delivery if Turkey maintains its possession of the S-400 system due to security concerns regarding sensitive technical data.

Discussions regarding Turkey’s potential return to the F-35 program have resurfaced in 2026. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has previously noted that Ankara is focusing on these specific aircraft in ongoing negotiations, citing legal hurdles in the U.S. Congress as the primary obstacle to delivery. While there have been indications from U.S. leadership regarding the potential lifting of sanctions and reconsideration of sales, no definitive agreement or delivery schedule has been established.