Turkey seeks resolution on F-35 fighter jets and CAATSA sanctions

Turkish Deputy Minister of National Defense Alpaslan Kavaklioglu has expressed optimism regarding ongoing negotiations with the United States to secure the delivery of six F-35 fighter jets and the lifting of CAATSA sanctions. During a visit to Washington in mid-October 2026, Kavaklioglu characterized the current diplomatic atmosphere between Presidents Erdogan and Trump as excellent, suggesting this relationship is facilitating progress on pending defense issues and potential joint production investments.

Despite this diplomatic optimism, technical hurdles remain for the acquisition of the six aircraft. Reports indicate that the jets belong to older production lots (Lot 10 and Lot 11) and lack the modern Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrade. Consequently, even if a delivery agreement is reached, significant additional software and hardware modifications would likely be required, with associated costs and timelines remaining currently undefined.

Turkey was previously removed from the F-35 program following its procurement of Russian S-400 missile systems. While Ankara continues to push for a return to the program and the removal of U.S. sanctions imposed under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), legal and technical barriers persist. No formal agreement for the handover or upgrade of the aircraft has been officially announced.