# Turkey F-35 deadlock persists over S-400 and security risks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-us-f-35-program-dispute
> Updated: 2026-08-11T00:11:00.000Z. Sources: 469. Developments: 61.

The deadlock over Turkey’s return to the F-35 programme has intensified as the U.S. State Department reaffirmed that Ankara has not met the legal requirements for re-entry. In a July 22 letter to Congress, the State Department reiterated that U.S. law prohibits the transfer of F-35 aircraft while Turkey retains its Russian-made S-400 air-defence systems. To qualify, Turkey must remove the missiles, guarantee they will not be procured again, and meet remaining certification requirements. While President Donald Trump has described Turkey as a “loyal ally” and signaled a willingness to consider sales, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has claimed the United States committed to delivering five F-35 aircraft. This discrepancy highlights a growing gap between executive rhetoric and legal realities. Security concerns have expanded beyond the S-400 issue. Analysts warn that Turkey’s use of Chinese Huawei technology in its 5G infrastructure could create a “back-door” for espionage on sensitive F-35 data. Furthermore, experts note that the six F-35 jets already paid for by Ankara remain in the U.S., and their acquisition could allow the Turkish defense industry to study sensitive components, potentially shifting the strategic balance in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Efforts to resolve the impasse remain stalled. Simply storing the S-400s on Turkish soil is insufficient for U.S. officials, while transferring the systems to third countries like Qatar or the UAE faces significant diplomatic and technical hurdles. The dispute continues to test U.S. foreign policy and the stability of the NATO alliance. Recent developments suggest the U.S. may be considering reinstating Turkey into the F-35 program, with President Trump indicating he may lift CAATSA sanctions. This potential shift has met strong opposition from Israel; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued that providing Turkey with F-35 capabilities would disrupt the regional balance of power and undermine Israel's qualitative military edge.

## Claims

- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the sale of F‑35 jets to Turkey, saying it would upset the regional military balance. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Donald Trump said no one can dictate what the United States sells to other countries. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Trump called Turkey a tremendous/very important ally and praised its regional work. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Trump said the final decision on the F‑35 sale to Turkey rests with Washington, not Israel. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Trump indicated the United States is considering resuming the sale of F‑35 jets to Turkey and possibly lifting CAATSA sanctions linked to Turkey’s S‑400 system. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Turkey was removed from the F‑35 programme in 2019 after purchasing Russia’s S‑400 missile‑defence system. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- U.S. law (CAATSA) prohibits the sale of F‑35 jets to Turkey while it retains the S‑400 system. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Donald Trump said the United States will consider selling F‑35 fighter jets to Turkey. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Trump described Turkey as a loyal and great ally. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-11: Turkey F-35 reentry under consideration amid Israeli opposition

The US is considering returning Turkey to the F-35 program and lifting CAATSA sanctions, a move facing strong opposition from Israel over regional military balance concerns.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-nears-return-to-f-35-program-amid-israeli-opposition

### 2026-08-09: Turkey faces deadlock over F-35 return and S-400 systems

Turkey is caught in a diplomatic deadlock between the U.S. and Russia as it seeks to rejoin the F-35 program while maintaining its Russian-made S-400 missile systems.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-faces-deadlock-over-f-35-return-and-s-400-systems

### 2026-08-05: Turkey's F-35 Sale and Greece's Israeli Air‑Defense Deal Heighten Regional Tensions

The US approved F‑35 sales to Turkey while Greece plans a €2.2 bn Israeli air‑defence purchase, sparking criticism in Greece and heightening tensions among Turkey, Greece, Israel and the US.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-f-35-sale-and-greeces-israeli-airdefense-deal-heighten-regional-tensions

### 2026-07-31: Donald Trump confronts setbacks in US policy toward Iran and Turkey

Trump admits the U.S. lacks viable options to pressure Iran, while Turkey remains barred from receiving F‑35 jets due to legal and security hurdles.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-confronts-setbacks-in-us-policy-toward-iran-and-turkey

### 2026-07-29: Turkey does not meet US legal criteria for F‑35 jets

The U.S. State Department says Turkey still fails to meet legal requirements—removing the Russian S‑400 system and securing certifications—to rejoin the F‑35 program, despite President Trump’s expressed intent,

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-f-35-deal-faces-chinese-telecom-spy-risk-and-us-restrictions

### 2026-07-27: Donald Trump Rejects Netanyahu's Opposition to Turkey F‑35 Sale

President Trump rejected Netanyahu’s opposition, calling Turkey a “tremendous ally” and saying no one dictates U.S. arms sales, while hinting the U.S. could lift sanctions to allow a F‑35 sale despite CAATSA‑im

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-signals-potential-f-35-sale-to-turkey-amid-israeli-opposition

### 2026-07-26: Turkey aims to reverse‑engineer F‑35 jets despite US embargo

The US embargo on Turkey’s F‑35 purchases remains, while Greek analysts warn Turkey plans to reverse‑engineer the jets for its own fighter programme.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-aims-to-reverseengineer-f35-jets-despite-us-embargo

### 2026-07-25: Greece launches “Shield of Achilles” defence system

Greece’s Defence Minister says the approved “Shield of Achilles” will give the armed forces a unified, multi‑layered anti‑air, anti‑missile and anti‑drone system, involving €700 million+ domestic industry and ‑

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-approves-fourbillioneuro-shield-of-achilles-defence-programme

### 2026-07-22: Greece approves €4‑5 bn defence package centred on “Achilles Shield” air‑defence system

Greece’s KYSEA approved an €4‑5 bn defence package, chiefly the Israeli‑based “Achilles Shield” air‑defence system, plus C‑390 transports, UAVs, mini‑submarines and other upgrades, with 25 % local industry work

57 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-approves-4-billion-shield-of-achilles-multilayer-airdefence-programme

### 2026-07-21: Turkey weighs S‑400 future, hints at possible F‑35 return

Turkey's defence minister confirmed talks with third countries on the fate of its S‑400 systems, signalling possible steps toward rejoining the F‑35 fighter jet programme.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-weighs-s400-future-hints-at-possible-f35-return

### 2026-07-20: Greece's 'Shield of Achilles' air‑defence program cleared by K.Y.S.E.A

Greece's K.Y.S.E.A approved the €4.3 bn ‘Shield of Achilles’ air‑defence programme, featuring three Israeli systems, transport aircraft, drones and other advanced weapons, with 25 % domestic industry share.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-to-approve-5-bn-shield-of-achilles-defence-programme

### 2026-07-20: Turkey says it is closer than ever to an F‑35 agreement with the United States amid Greek criticism

Turkey’s deputy foreign minister says Ankara is nearer than ever to a US F‑35 deal, calling Greek opposition “redundant” as talks also cover wider defence cooperation.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-says-it-is-closer-than-ever-to-an-f35-agreement-with-the-united-states-amid-greek-criticism

### 2026-07-18: Israel Flags Turkish Naval Superiority and Possible F‑35 Deal as Regional Threat

Israel’s defence outlet warns that Turkey’s naval superiority and a prospective F‑35 deal could undermine Israeli regional security, noting a lengthy Israeli navy upgrade and Trump’s hint at easing sanctions.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/israel-warns-of-turkish-naval-edge-as-f-35-talks-heighten-tensions

### 2026-07-18: Turkey's F-35 talks spark Greek government criticism

Turkey says F‑35 talks with the U.S. are nearing resolution, while Greece angrily denounces any potential sale and links it to past sanctions and the S‑400 deal.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-f-35-talks-spark-greek-government-criticism

### 2026-07-17: Turkey Secures Patriot Battery Deal and Discusses S‑400 Issue with U.S. Officials

Turkey’s defence minister met U.S. officials, securing upcoming Patriot battery deliveries and seeking resolution of the S‑400 dispute, within a NATO‑focused context.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-secures-patriot-battery-deal-and-discusses-s400-issue-with-us-officials

### 2026-07-16: Turkey's Defence Ministry says S‑400 work continues amid third‑country sales talks

Turkey’s defence ministry says S‑400 work continues, cites talks on sales to Gulf states, links the issue to US CAATSA sanctions and the stalled F‑35 programme, and rejects a European Parliament resolution on ‑

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-defense-ministry-rejects-eu-parliaments-cyprus-decision-and-defends-s400-program

### 2026-07-15: Turkey Looks to US Waiver to Resolve S-400 Sanctions and Rejoin F‑35 Program

Turkey says the U.S. can grant a CAATSA waiver on its S‑400 system, paving the way to rejoin the F‑35 programme, with officials reporting a positive outlook after recent Washington talks and NATO summit.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-and-united-states-show-progress-on-f-35-f-16-deals

### 2026-07-14: Turkey’s Strategic Value Grows After NATO Summit, Sparking Greek Concerns

Turkey’s NATO summit role boosted its strategic importance to the West, leading Greek media to call for a reassessment of Athens’ defence posture.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-strategic-value-grows-after-nato-summit-sparking-greek-concerns

### 2026-07-13: U.S. F-35 diplomacy reshapes Middle East alliances

The U.S. uses F‑35 sales to reward Israel and allies, froze a UAE deal over Huawei 5G concerns, and reconsidered Turkey’s expulsion after its S‑400 purchase.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-f-35-diplomacy-reshapes-middle-east-alliances

### 2026-07-11: Turkey's F‑35 Prospects Ignite Regional Security Concerns

Turkey seeks F‑35 jets, prompting U.S. optimism, NATO‑summit talks, and strong objections from Greece and Israel over regional security risks.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-f-35-procurement-alarms-greece-and-israel

### 2026-07-11: Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says S‑400 talks with UAE continue, F‑35 talks with US underway

Turkey's FM Hakan Fidan says S‑400 talks with UAE continue and US‑Turkey F‑35 negotiations are progressing despite U.S. legal hurdles.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-foreign-minister-hakan-fidan-says-s400-talks-with-uae-continue-f35-talks-with-us-underway

### 2026-07-11: Greece ramps up defence spending and joins elite F‑35 programme

Greece’s defence budget rose to 3 % of GDP, securing 20 F‑35 jets and boosting air power amid NATO commitments and regional tensions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-joins-elite-f35-club-boosting-its-air-power-and-defence-spending

### 2026-07-11: Turkey moves to swap S‑400 missiles for return of blocked F‑35 jets

Turkey aims to return its six blocked F‑35 jets by transferring S‑400 missile systems to the UAE, a move backed by some U.S. officials but tangled in legal and intelligence concerns.

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-seeks-to-sell-s400-missiles-to-lift-us-sanctions-and-rejoin-f35-programme

### 2026-07-11: Turkey's NATO prominence rises at summit, sparking criticism from Greece

At the NATO summit Turkey secured new naval and land commands, boosting its strategic role, while Greece’s PM Mitsotakis was criticised for a passive stance as the alliance pledged $50 bn to Ukraine and debated

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-nato-prominence-rises-at-summit-sparking-criticism-from-greece

### 2026-07-10: US approves Turkey F110 jet engine sale as Trump faces NYT lawsuit over Ankara visit

US Congress cleared a sale of 20 F110 engines to Turkey, while Trump’s Ankara trip spurred a New York Times lawsuit over Air Force One safety reporting.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-approves-turkey-f110-jet-engine-sale-as-trump-faces-nyt-lawsuit-over-ankara-visit

### 2026-07-10: US Congress clears F110 engine sale to Turkey for KAAN fighter

US Congress ended its 15‑day review on July 9, 2026 without blocking the sale of F110‑GE‑129E/F engines to Turkey for the KAAN fighter, clearing a key step for the program.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-kaan-fighter-jet-secures-us-engine-sale-after-congressional-review

### 2026-07-10: Donald Trump pushes F‑35 sale to Turkey and lifts Syria from terror list at NATO summit

At the NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump signaled a possible F‑35 sale to Turkey, lifted Syria from the U.S. terrorism list, and warned Iran of cease‑fire violations, drawing criticism from Israel,

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-pushes-f35-sale-to-turkey-and-lifts-syria-from-terror-list-at-nato-summit

### 2026-07-09: Turkey drives NATO reform discussion and launches serial production of Kaan fighter jet after summit

Turkey’s minister called the NATO summit historic, urging joint decisions on the alliance, while a U.S. envoy highlighted Turkey’s diplomatic role and confirmed U.S. approval for Kaan jet engines, moving the 5‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-drives-nato-reform-discussion-and-launches-serial-production-of-kaan-fighter-jet-after-summit

### 2026-07-08: Turkey seeks to offload S‑400 air‑defence systems to Gulf state amid F‑35 talks

Turkey is negotiating with Russia to sell its S‑400 systems to a Gulf state, aiming to lift U.S. sanctions and re‑enter the F‑35 program; Kremlin says talks are ongoing but no deal confirmed.

105 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-s400-issue-leads-us-to-consider-gulf-transfer-to-lift-sanctions

### 2026-07-08: Mike Pence warns US President against delivering F-35 jets to Turkey

Mike Pence warned President Trump that lifting sanctions on Turkey and delivering F‑35 jets would be a strategic mistake, threatening U.S., Israeli and NATO security.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mike-pence-warns-us-president-against-delivering-f-35-jets-to-turkey

### 2026-07-07: Netanyahu stresses Israeli air superiority as Turkey eyes F-35s and regional tensions rise

Netanyahu said Israel must keep air superiority, warned of new regional axes and Turkey’s possible F‑35 purchase, and pledged readiness against Iran and other threats.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netanyahu-says-israel-keeps-air-superiority-as-us-backs-turkey-f35

### 2026-07-07: Ankara NATO summit spotlights Iceland’s young premier as US moves to lift Turkey F‑35 sanctions

At the Ankara NATO summit, Iceland’s young PM Kristrún Frostadóttir gained attention, while the US signaled lifting Turkey’s CAATSA sanctions and possible F‑35 sales, raising Greek security concerns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nato-summit-in-ankara-highlights-icelandic-premier-usturkey-f35-talks

### 2026-07-07: Greece debates NATO exit amid EU security reforms

Greek voices call for NATO withdrawal as EU pushes an operational mutual‑defence plan after a NATO summit that underscored Turkey’s rising role.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-debates-nato-exit-amid-eu-security-reforms

### 2026-07-06: Turkey's expanding NATO role fuels Greek anxiety ahead of summit

Greek officials warn that NATO will give Turkey command centers in Adana and the Bosphorus, while a weakening US Greek lobby struggles as Trump’s administration deepens defence ties with Turkey.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-expanding-nato-role-fuels-greek-anxiety-ahead-of-summit

### 2026-07-06: Greece warns over Turkey F‑35 sale amid NATO summit

Greece opposes a potential U.S. sale of F‑35s to Turkey, citing NATO stability and legal hurdles over Turkey’s S‑400, as leaders debate the issue at the NATO summit.

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-hailed-as-uss-most-faithful-nato-ally-amid-possible-f-35-sale

### 2026-07-05: Trump to lift sanctions on Turkey and weigh F‑35 sale at NATO summit

Trump announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Turkey and signaled possible F‑35 sales at the NATO summit, prompting support from some U.S. officials and opposition from Israel.

257 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-poised-to-regain-access-to-us-f35-jets-at-nato-summit

### 2026-07-04: US Congress moves to block F110 engine sale for Turkey's KAAN fighter

U.S. House leaders, led by Rep. Dina Titus, filed a resolution to block GE F110 engine sales and related support for Turkey's KAAN fighter, starting a 15‑day congressional review.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-congress-moves-to-block-f110-engine-sale-for-turkeys-kaan-fighter

### 2026-07-04: Turkey receives $700 million U.S. jet engine sale ahead of NATO summit

The U.S. approved a $700 million jet engine sale to Turkey, bypassing Congress, as Ankara prepares to host the NATO summit and Erdogan seeks to restore defense ties.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-receives-700-million-us-jet-engine-sale-ahead-of-nato-summit

### 2026-07-03: Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says Trump’s NATO summit attendance hinges on Erdoğan’s invitation

Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan said Donald Trump would attend the NATO summit only because Erdoğan invited him, noting improving US‑Turkey ties and the potential return of the F‑35 deal.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-foreign-minister-hakan-fidan-says-trumps-nato-summit-attendance-hinges-on-erdoans-invitation

### 2026-07-03: Trump Pushes F‑35 Sale to Turkey Amid NATO Security Concerns

Trump is ready to offer Turkey F‑35 jets and KAAN engines despite its S‑400 system, raising NATO worries that the deal could expose U.S. technology to Russia and China.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trump-pushes-f35-sale-to-turkey-amid-nato-security-concerns

### 2026-06-30: US Rep. Mike Lorer urges Trump to keep F‑35 ban on Turkey

Rep. Mike Lorer leads a congressional push urging Trump to keep the 2019 ban on selling F‑35 jets to Turkey, citing the S‑400 purchase and aggressive actions toward U.S. allies.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-congress-moves-to-block-f35-engine-sale-to-turkey

### 2026-06-28: Turkey seeks greater NATO influence as US lawmakers block F‑35 sale

US legislators urge the administration to reject a proposed F‑35 sale to Turkey, citing security risks and ally concerns, as Turkey pushes for greater NATO influence ahead of the Ankara summit.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-seeks-greater-nato-influence-as-us-lawmakers-block-f35-sale

### 2026-06-28: Rep. Mike Lawler Opposes U.S. Sale of F-35 Jets to Turkey

Rep. Mike Lawler (R‑NY) opposes the Trump admin’s plan to sell F‑35 jets to Turkey, citing national‑security concerns and past reliability issues.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rep-mike-lawler-opposes-us-sale-of-f-35-jets-to-turkey

### 2026-06-27: US Congress moves to block Turkey's return to the F‑35 program

US Rep. Dina Titus spearheads a House effort to block Turkey’s return to the F‑35 programme, citing unresolved S‑400 issues and existing CAATSA sanctions.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-greek-institute-urges-us-to-block-ge-engine-and-f35-sales-to-turkey

### 2026-06-27: Greek lobby urges Trump to halt F110 jet engine sales to Turkey

The Greek‑backed American Hellenic Institute urged President Trump to cancel a $700 million F110 jet engine sale to Turkey, citing CAATSA violations and security concerns over Turkey’s KAAN fighter program and潜

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-lobby-urges-trump-to-halt-f110-jet-engine-sales-to-turkey

### 2026-06-27: U.S. Congress Reviews $700M Aircraft Engine Sale to Turkey

The Trump administration plans to approve a $700 million sale of U.S. aircraft engines for Turkey’s Kaan fighter, but four Greek‑American members of Congress have urged opposition, citing the S‑400 issue, CAATS

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-congress-reviews-700m-aircraft-engine-sale-to-turkey

### 2026-06-26: US notifies Congress of $700 million jet engine sale to Turkey

The Trump administration has notified Congress of a $700 million sale of GE F110 engines to Turkey for the KAAN fighter jet, sparking a 15‑day review amid opposition over Turkey’s S‑400 purchase.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-notifies-congress-of-700-million-jet-engine-sale-to-turkey

### 2026-06-26: Trump administration faces pressure over proposed F110 engine sale to Turkey

The American Hellenic Institute urged President Trump to stop a planned GE F110 engine sale to Turkey, citing congressional oversight and CAATSA sanctions tied to Turkey's S‑400 purchase.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trump-administration-faces-pressure-over-proposed-f110-engine-sale-to-turkey

### 2026-06-25: Turkey seeks US clearance for F‑35 and KAAN jet engines as Trump hints at gifts at NATO summit

Trump hinted at a gift to Turkey’s Erdogan at the NATO summit, potentially easing U.S. restrictions on F‑110 engines for Turkey’s KAAN fighter and reviving F‑35 cooperation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-seeks-us-clearance-for-f35-and-kaan-jet-engines-as-trump-hints-at-gifts-at-nato-summit

### 2026-06-25: Turkey's F-35 jet purchase under US congressional review

The U.S. is re‑examining Turkey’s F‑35 purchase to ensure compliance with American law, while President Trump praised Erdogan and hinted at a NATO‑summit visit, amid Turkey’s own fighter‑jet development.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-f-35-jet-purchase-under-us-congressional-review

### 2026-06-24: US Congress faces $700 million engine sale to Turkey for KAAN fighter

The Trump administration seeks Congress approval for a $700 million sale of GE fighter engines to Turkey for the KAAN jet, sparking Democratic opposition over Turkey’s S‑400 system ahead of the July NATO summit

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-pushes-700m-sale-of-ge-fighter-jet-engines-to-turkey-amid-congressional-opposition

### 2026-06-24: U.S. Trump Administration Advances $700 Million Jet Engine Sale to Turkey

The Trump administration plans to sell jet engines worth over $700 million to Turkey, despite congressional opposition over Turkey’s S‑400 purchase and pending discussions on F‑35 eligibility, ahead of a NATO s

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-reviews-possible-sale-of-f35-fighters-and-jet-engines-to-turkey

### 2026-06-24: United States approves $700 million jet engine sale to Turkey ahead of NATO summit

The U.S. notified Congress of a $700 million GE F110 engine sale to Turkey for its KAAN fighter, a goodwill gesture ahead of the July NATO summit despite CAATSA sanctions.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-approves-700-million-jet-engine-sale-to-turkey-ahead-of-nato-summit

### 2026-06-24: Rutte meets Trump in Washington to ease NATO‑Iran tensions ahead of Ankara summit

Rutte met Trump in Washington to ease U.S.–NATO tensions over Iran before the July NATO summit in Ankara, where multi‑billion‑dollar defence deals and support for Ukraine will be highlighted; Trump also hinted‑

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trump-hints-at-possible-f35-deal-for-turkey-ahead-of-nato-summit

### 2026-06-23: Turkey showcases rising NATO role ahead of 2026 Ankara summit

Turkey’s central NATO role will be showcased at the July 2026 Ankara summit, while U.S. President Trump hints at a $700 million jet‑engine deal for Turkey’s KAAN fighter despite congressional concerns.

79 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-kaan-jet-engine-sale-valued-at-700-million-approved-by-trump

### 2026-06-08: Turkey blocked by US from receiving F‑35 jets and F‑16 upgrade parts

The US blocks Turkey from acquiring F‑35 jets and denies F‑16 upgrade parts, reaffirming legal limits despite diplomatic outreach ahead of a NATO summit.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-blocked-by-us-from-receiving-f35-jets-and-f16-upgrade-parts

### 2026-06-05: Turkey seeks F-35 reinstatement and influence at NATO summit

Turkey's NATO summit sees MP Namik Tan question Ankara's influence on alliance policy while officials negotiate re‑joining the U.S. F‑35 program by addressing S‑400‑related sanctions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-seeks-f-35-reinstatement-and-influence-at-nato-summit

### 2026-06-04: Turkey remains barred from F‑35 fighter program by US law

U.S. officials say legislation blocks Turkey from re‑joining the F‑35 program, citing its S‑400 purchase as the main obstacle, a point highlighted during a U.S. House hearing and in Greece.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-remains-barred-from-f35-fighter-program-by-us-law

### 2026-06-03: US Secretary of State Rubio rules out Turkey's return to F-35 program

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Turkey cannot rejoin the F‑35 program while it keeps Russian S‑400 missiles, citing US law (NDAA, CAATSA).

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-secretary-of-state-rubio-rules-out-turkeys-return-to-f-35-program

### 2026-06-03: US says Turkey cannot rejoin F‑35 program while S‑400 remains

The U.S. says law blocks Turkey’s return to the F‑35 program while it operates the Russian S‑400, boosting Greece’s air‑force advantage and underscoring NATO security concerns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-says-turkey-cannot-rejoin-f35-program-while-s400-remains

### 2026-05-25: Turkey pushes for US lift on F‑35 block at NATO summit

Turkey seeks to lift U.S. sanctions blocking its F‑35 access at the July NATO summit, urging removal of Russian S‑400 systems to restore defense ties.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-pushes-for-us-lift-on-f35-block-at-nato-summit

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Cite as: Turkey F-35 deadlock persists over S-400 and security risks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-us-f-35-program-dispute