F-35s back on table? Erdogan courts Trump to revive US-Turkey defense ties
Experts are optimistic that three major areas can see improvement in Ankara-Washington ties after a phone call between the US and Turkish presidents.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Donald Trump discussed strengthening Turkey-US relations in a March 16 call.
Al-Monitor's expert sources see the conversation as an opportunity to advance key areas of cooperation, including military trade and industrial collaboration. They highlight three main areas: defense industry collaboration, particularly with F-16 and F-35 aircraft, as well as joint ventures in artillery production and the evolving situation in Syria. However, obstacles remain, particularly with Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile system, which complicates F-35 discussions.
During the phone call last week, the first between the two leaders since Trump started his second term, Erdogan expressed his belief that the two allies “will advance their cooperation in the new era with solidarity, a results-oriented approach, and sincerity,” according to the readout issued by the Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of Communications.
Bloomberg reported on March 18 that Erdogan expects an invitation to the White House for late April, but no official plans have been announced.
