Nothing Has Changed in Türkiye's F-35 Process

According to the latest information obtained from diplomatic sources, there has been no new development regarding Türkiye's procurement of F-35 fighter jets. No official decision has been taken by the America administration and the Congress regarding the issue. It is emphasized that no step has been taken to initiate any of the prospective processes. This situation once again reveals how deep the current crisis in the defense industry cooperation between the two NATO allies is. Experts point out that it is highly unlikely for the issue to be resolved in the short term.

Türkiye was initially considered one of the most important international partners of the F-35 program. The country had ordered numerous models of these generation fighter jets to meet its defense needs and modernize its air force. However, upon Türkiye's purchase of the S-400 air defense system from Russia, the Washington administration took a harsh stance. The US, putting forward the concern that the S-400s could compromise the stealth radar technology of the F-35s, removed Türkiye from the program. This event became a turning point in the military and strategic relations between the two countries, the effects of which could last for years.

At the point reached today, it is seen that there has been no softening in the approach of the US Congress and the White House to the issue. The American administration avoids making any attempt to lift the current sanctions and restrictions. Diplomatic sources confirm that the political and bureaucratic procedures envisaged for Türkiye's reintegration into the F-35s are completely stalled. Although issues such as Türkiye sending back or storing the S-400 systems are among the frequently discussed proposals for a solution, they have not yet been transformed into a practical step. Therefore, let alone the delivery of the aircraft, the status of the Turkish models on the production line also remains uncertain.

This uncertainty and the ongoing crisis have led the Turkish Air Force to radically change its inventory strategy. Türkiye has turned to different quests to close the air superiority gap created by being deprived of the F-35s. In this context, the procurement of alternative fighter jets such as the European-origin Eurofighter Typhoon was put on the table. In addition, the support given to the national defense industry in the country was further increased, and the KAAN project, its own indigenous and national fifth-generation fighter jet, was accelerated. Turkish officials emphasize at every opportunity the goal of reducing external dependency and sustaining defense capabilities through domestic resources.

In the assessments made for the future, it is stated that the F-35 file is highly likely to remain frozen in the upcoming period as well. The fact that other issues such as regional problems, human rights issues, and political divergences in the Eastern Mediterranean gain priority in US-Türkiye relations pushes the F-35 issue further into the background. Although Türkiye wants to strengthen its ties with its allies, the legal regulations and firm political will on the US side do not allow the process to progress. As a result, the information leaked through diplomatic channels clearly reveals the dimensions of the deadlock in the current situation. It is concluded that for the aircraft to be put back on the agenda, both sides need to take radical diplomatic steps involving serious concessions.