Trump at the NATO Summit: Erdogan is a “very close friend,” US signals lifting sanctions on Turkey and opening door to F-35

On the first day of the NATO Summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump dominated proceedings with his positions on relations with Turkey, signaling that he aims to return Ankara to the F-35 fighter jet program, as well as lift US sanctions imposed under the CAATSA law.

Trump was welcomed very warmly by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at Ankara airport, where the atmosphere between the two leaders was seen as extraordinarily friendly. The White House chief arrived on the presidential aircraft, while during the स्वागत ceremony the US ambassador addressed the Turkish military contingent with the words “Merhaba asker” (“Hello, soldier”).

From the Presidential Palace, Trump said his administration is seriously considering Turkey’s return to the F-35 program.

“Turkey is more loyal than most countries. The F-35 is the best aircraft in the world and we are considering this issue,” he said. The US president also stressed his desire to lift CAATSA sanctions on Ankara.

“We will lift the sanctions. The time has come. We do not want to impose sanctions on our friends and I do not want to suffocate my friend with sanctions,” Trump said.

He also reserved strong praise for Erdogan, describing him as a “very close friend” and underlining that their relationship is “very special.”

“Turkey has a very strong leader and a very powerful army. I have great respect for President Erdogan,” Trump said, adding that the situation in Iran could also be discussed between the two leaders.

For his part, Erdogan said the F-35 file is not new and underlined that he expects the US to honor its commitment to return Turkey to the program.

“Mr. Trump always keeps his word on this issue. I believe a positive decision will be taken on the F-35,” the Turkish president said.

Although Trump’s statements were optimistic, Turkey’s return to the F-35 program remains a complicated process, as lifting CAATSA sanctions also requires the approval of the US Congress.

Alongside the F-35 issue, Turkey is seeking to secure unconditional participation in the European SAFE defense program and deepen cooperation with the European Union in the defense industry.

The focus of the NATO Summit also includes increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, military support for Ukraine, and strengthening the Alliance’s defense industry.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also announced new agreements for the purchase of military equipment worth more than $40 billion over the next five years, while calling on allies for a “transatlantic revolution” in the defense industry to respond to growing threats.