US Lawmaker Calls Trkiye's F-35 Return Talks 'Very Promising' at NATO Summit

A senior US lawmaker describes discussions during the NATO summit on Trkiye's potential return to the F-35 fighter jet programme as "very promising", saying Ankara's reinstatement would be "incredibly important" for the alliancehttps://t.co/Qtd16oMECt News Analysis & Summary A senior US lawmaker has described discussions during the NATO summit regarding Trkiye's potential return to the F-35 fighter jet program as 'very promising,' emphasizing that reinstating Ankara would be 'incredibly important' for the alliance. The lawmaker's comments suggest a possible shift in US-Trkiye relations, which have been strained since Trkiye was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russia's S-400 missile defense system. The F-35 program, a cornerstone of NATO's air power, previously benefited from Trkiye's industrial contributions and strategic location. Reintegrating Trkiye could strengthen the alliance's capabilities, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. However, significant hurdles remain, including the unresolved status of the S-400 system, which the US considers a security risk. My opinion: While this is a positive diplomatic signal, the path to reinstatement is fraught with technical and political complexities. A compromisesuch as placing the S-400s under NATO supervision or in storagemight be necessary. Ultimately, Trkiye's return would be a win-win, boosting NATO's operational readiness and mending a key bilateral relationship, but only if mutual security concerns are satisfactorily addressed. Source: @trtworld on X/TwitterPublic Engagement Views: 2,435 Likes: 3 Shares: 1 Published: July 16, 2026, 1:30 pm