Turkey negotiates with US for delivery of six F-35 fighter aircraft

F-35 fighter aircraft CAATSA sanctions Turkey-US relations S-400 missile system defense industry

Turkey is engaged in intensive negotiations with the United States regarding the delivery of six F-35 fighter aircraft that have already been paid for. Turkish Ministry of National Defense officials, including Deputy Minister Alpaslan Kavaklıoğlu, confirmed that discussions are ongoing and expressed hope for a positive outcome based on alliance ties.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the sale is subject to strict legal conditions under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The primary obstacle remains Turkey's acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile system, which creates a legal impasse. Rubio noted that while President Trump has expressed a desire to proceed with deliveries if legally feasible, the sale cannot move forward until these legislative requirements are met.

In addition to the F-35 matter, Turkey is seeking the removal of CAATSA sanctions and all direct or indirect restrictions on its defense industry. Separately, Turkey is procuring twelve C-130J-30 aircraft from the United Kingdom to enhance its air transport capabilities. The first two aircraft are expected to be delivered in December 2026, with personnel training scheduled for completion by the end of that year.

Entities

Alpaslan Kavaklıoğlu · Donald Trump · Marco Rubio · Ministry of National Defense · Recep Tayyip Erdoğan · Turkey · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 9 SOURCES] Turkey is in ongoing negotiations with the United States for the delivery of six F-35 fighter aircraft. www.tromaktiko.gr · www.newsbomb.gr · www.sigmalive.com · ordu.az · www.turkgun.com · +4 more
[● 3 SOURCES] US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the sale of F-35s is subject to strict legal conditions under the NDAA. www.tromaktiko.gr · www.newsbomb.gr · cretaone.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] The legal impasse regarding the F-35 delivery is linked to Turkey's acquisition of the Russian S-400 system. www.tromaktiko.gr · www.newsbomb.gr
[● 6 SOURCES] Turkey is seeking the removal of CAATSA sanctions and all restrictions affecting its defense industry. www.sigmalive.com · ordu.az · www.turkgun.com · haber.aero · www.yenicaggazetesi.com · +1 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Turkey is procuring twelve C-130J-30 aircraft from the United Kingdom, with the first two deliveries expected in December 2026. www.sigmalive.com · www.turkgun.com · www.yenicaggazetesi.com