Reporters at a White House press conference on 24/5 asked U.S. President Donald Trump if he would "bring good news to Turkey" concerning the F-35 stealth fighter program. They also inquired about a specific U.S. engine model Turkey needs for its domestic fighter project.

"I think so. Perhaps I will do something that will make him very happy," President Trump replied, referring to his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

An F-35A fighter jet flies near Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. in 4/2025. Photo: USAF.

Vice President JD Vance later stated that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his advisory team are reviewing the situation. He added, "This issue falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress, and it also requires ensuring that Turkey complies with U.S. law to purchase the F-35."

Turkey initially ordered over 100 F-35A fighter jets but was removed from the project in 2019 after acquiring Russia's S-400 air defense system. Current U.S. laws do not permit Turkey to operate or possess the S-400 if it wishes to rejoin the F-35 program.

However, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack stated in 12/2025 that the warm relationship between Trump and Erdogan helped both sides hold "the most productive dialogues on this topic in nearly a decade."

Disappointed with its fluctuating relationship with the West and past arms embargoes, Turkey developed its domestic Kaan fighter jet. However, Turkish officials acknowledge it will take many years for Kaan to fully replace the F-16 fighter, which forms the backbone of the Turkish Air Force.

The Kaan fighter is expected to be equipped with engines manufactured by U.S. firm General Electric. A source indicated the shipment is expected to be worth over 700 million USD. Experts believe Turkey might welcome U.S. engine sales, but the deal would not meet its larger goal of rejoining the F-35 program.

"Acquiring engines is certainly important for Turkey, but this is the most achievable goal for the U.S. administration among a series of far more ambitious commitments, including returning to the F-35 program," said Gonul Tol, a specialist at the U.S.-based Middle East Institute.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)