President Trump may lift F-35 jet ban for Turkey during NATO summit
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President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Turkish leaders in Ankara to discuss lifting a 2019 ban on F-35 fighter jets. The move follows years of tension regarding Turkey's acquisition of Russian defense systems.
Amalgamated from Livemint (opens in new tab), Times of India (opens in new tab), New York Times (opens in new tab)
President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Turkish leadership during an upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. Livemint reports that these discussions will include a consideration of whether the United States should reverse its 2019 ban on selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
The potential move follows a period of tension after Turkey was removed from the program following its purchase of Russian air defense systems, according to the Times of India. The report characterizes the possible decision as a breakthrough in the relationship between the two nations.
According to the New York Times, President Trump originally imposed the ban because of concerns that providing the jets would allow Russia to gain access to American stealth technology. The publication reports that the president is expected to indicate during the summit that he is ready to restore Turkey's access to the fighter jet program.
Why this matters
The resolution of this issue could significantly impact defense cooperation between the United States and Turkey, while also addressing long-standing concerns regarding the security of sensitive American military technology. It highlights a shift in how the U.S. manages its strategic partnerships with NATO allies who have maintained ties with Russian defense manufacturers.
What's confirmed / what isn't
Each fact is reported by a different outlet: Livemint reports on the meeting and potential reversal; Times of India reports on the context of Russian systems; New York Times reports on the original motive for the ban and the president's stated readiness to restore access.
Background
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet developed by Lockheed Martin. Turkey was excluded from the program in 2019 after it purchased the Russian S-400 missile system, leading to concerns over the security of American intellectual property.