Turkish Defense Ministry said on Friday that Ankara and Washington are exploring a swift resolution to the CAATSA sanctions and the possibility for Turkey to rejoin the F-35 jet program, while maintaining respect to its possession of Russian S-400 air defenses, according to Reuters.
Sharp Backlash
Ankara sparked a sharp backlash from the Trump administration in 2019 by purchasing Russian S-400 missile systems.
As a result, President Donald Trump canceled a planned sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey and removed it from the joint production program. Subsequently, Ankara secured a deal to purchase F-16 jets.
Turkey described the move as unfair and expressed optimism that it can collaborate with Washington and resolve the matter during Trump’s second term.
Therefore, it can both buy the jets and return to the manufacturing program.
Ongoing Talks
On Wednesday, US Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack said that bilateral talks are ongoing, but noted that Turkey will be barred from operating or retaining the S-400 missile system if it wants to return to the F-35 program in accordance with the American law.
In response, Turkish Defense Ministry said: “There have been no new developments regarding the S-400 air defense systems, which has been put on the agenda in recent days.”
The ministry also explained that Ankara’s diplomatic talks with the US continue “on lifting sanctions and removing barriers to the F-35 procurement and re-admitting our country to the program,” it said.
“Addressing the process regarding the F-35 project within the spirit of alliance, through mutual dialogue and constructive consultation, will contribute positively to bilateral relations,” the ministry added.
Seeking Swift Resolution
Last week, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Reuters on Saturday that he expects a swift resolution to the CAATSA sanctions with the United States “very soon.”
Despite the fact that both Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan maintained close personal bonds during Trump’s 2017-21 term as president, their relationship witnessed frequent tensions due to certain disputes over US support for Kurdish fighters in Syria and Turkey’s growing relations with Moscow.
In an interview on the sidelines of the Doha Forum, Fidan mentioned that US officials are “on the right path” with their mediation efforts and expressed hope that all parties would remain committed to the negotiating table.
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