Turkey seeks F-35 reinstatement and influence at NATO summit

Turkish MP Namik Tan warned that, despite a generally positive media portrayal of NATO allies, it remains uncertain how much the Erdoğan government can shape alliance policies. He highlighted potential friction over issues such as Israel and the Palestinian question and suggested the government's focus may be on the prestige of hosting the summit.

At the same summit, Turkey is using the occasion to push for its return to the U.S. F‑35 fighter‑jet program, which was suspended after Ankara purchased Russia's S‑400 air‑defence system and faced CAATSA sanctions. Diplomatic contacts with the United States and Germany have discussed removing the S‑400 from active service or storing it to satisfy the conditions required for Turkey’s re‑entry into the F‑35 deal.