Turkey's F-35 jet purchase under US congressional review

U.S. officials said the sale of F‑35 fighter jets to Turkey is being re‑examined to ensure the country complies with American law. Vice President Joe Biden stated that the issue is under congressional scrutiny and that the administration is verifying that all required conditions have been met before any delivery can proceed.

President Donald Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling him a “good man” who has helped the United States, and hinted he may attend the NATO summit in Ankara and do “something that will make Erdogan very happy.” The comments came amid ongoing tensions after Turkey was barred from the original F‑35 program in 2019 following its purchase of Russia’s S‑400 system. Turkey is meanwhile developing its own fifth‑generation fighter, the TAI KAAN, to replace its F‑16 fleet.

The review reflects broader U.S. concerns about human‑rights and rule‑of‑law standards, and any decision will affect NATO cohesion and future defense cooperation between Washington and Ankara.