Turkiye has decided to put its pursuit of F-16 fighter jets on hold as it redirects its efforts toward rejoining the US-led F-35 stealth fighter program, according to sources familiar with the matter.
This marks a strategic shift in Ankara’s defense policy as it tries to repair relations with Washington and modernize its air force.
The decision comes after years of strained military ties between the two countries. In 2019, Turkiye was removed from the F-35 program following its controversial purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system. The US said the system posed a security risk to the F-35’s technology, leading to Ankara’s expulsion from the joint production and acquisition framework.
Now, under President Donald Trump’s new administration, Turkiye is stepping up its diplomatic and financial efforts to return to the F-35 program. Over the past few weeks, Ankara has offered to purchase $20 billion worth of military equipment from the US—including ammunition, electronic systems, and aircraft parts—as part of a broader bid to show its commitment to NATO compatibility and reduced reliance on Russian defense systems.
In parallel, officials in Ankara are signaling a willingness to limit or even phase out the operational use of the S-400 system, which remains a major sticking point in negotiations with Washington. This gesture is seen as a possible concession to pave the way for renewed cooperation on advanced weapons systems like the F-35.
Sources speaking to Middle East Eye revealed that Turkiye has chosen to pause its request for new F-16s, a deal that had included a $1.4 billion down payment. That payment, they said, could be redirected toward F-35 acquisitions if the US agrees to readmit Turkiye into the program. Both aircraft are made by Lockheed Martin, which makes the financial and logistical transition feasible.
One reason for the shift in priority is the long production timeline for new F-16 jets, which could take several years to deliver. Given its pressing defense needs and long-term strategic goals, Turkiye is now betting on the more advanced F-35s, which offer stealth capabilities and higher performance.
The move also reflects Ankara’s broader ambitions to maintain a leading role in NATO’s defense structure and reduce its isolation within the Western alliance. Officials are reportedly hoping that Trump’s administration may be more open to restoring defense ties with Turkiye than previous governments.
While it remains uncertain whether the US will agree to reverse Turkiye’s exclusion from the F-35 program, this shift in focus signals Ankara’s determination to reset its defense relationship with Washington and secure access to cutting-edge military technology.