Turkey's F-35 program stalls as US keeps sanctions in place

The United States has maintained CAATSA sanctions on Turkey, halting any near‑term sale of the F‑35 jet. Former President Donald Trump hinted at a possible reversal, but no formal decision has followed, and NATO summit discussions did not produce a concrete commitment.

A U.S. procurement notice released in November 2024 revealed that equipment used for F‑35 production and testing in Turkey is to be dismantled, packed and shipped back to the United States, confirming Turkey’s removal from the joint‑production line.

Turkey, which paid roughly $1.4 billion for six F‑35 aircraft now stored in a hangar, is demanding the return of the funds and compensation for investments made by Turkish firms. The U.S. side, however, has asked for hangar‑use fees and additional payments, citing security concerns over the removed hardware.

Regional actors—including Israel, India and Greece—have voiced strong opposition to any Turkish acquisition, warning that it could upset the military balance in the Eastern Mediterranean and broader Middle East. NATO officials reiterated that the alliance defends all members, but stopped short of guaranteeing that Turkey could employ the jets against any allies.