Turkey Looks to US Waiver to Resolve S-400 Sanctions and Rejoin F‑35 Program

Turkish officials say Washington is now able to issue a CAATSA waiver that would lift sanctions on Turkey’s Russian S‑400 air‑defence system, clearing a path for Ankara to re‑enter the U.S. F‑35 fighter programme. Committee on Foreign Affairs member Fuat Oktay highlighted that the President can grant an exemption on security grounds without further congressional action. Former defence minister and current National Defence Committee chairman Hulusi Akar, after talks in Washington, reported a positive U.S. approach to the pending issues of the S‑400, F‑35, F‑16 procurement and engine supply for Turkey’s fifth‑generation KAAN jet, and expects progress following the recent NATO summit and a meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Donald Trump.

Greek analysis notes that any Turkish move to replace the S‑400 or re‑join the F‑35 programme would shift the balance of power in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, prompting concerns from neighbouring states. The discussion reflects a broader geopolitical market involving the United States, Russia and regional actors, with Russian officials acknowledging ongoing, sensitive contacts about the S‑400.

Overall, the dialogue points toward a diplomatic thaw that could restore Turkey’s participation in U.S. defence projects and reduce tensions that have long strained NATO cohesion.