Key facts
- The U.S. has indicated a potential return for Turkey to the F-35 stealth jet program.
- Israel opposes Turkey's potential re-entry into the F-35 program.
- Turkey was previously removed from the F-35 program due to its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems.
- Russia is in communication with Turkey regarding the S-400 missile systems.
- Reports suggest Turkey might sell the S-400s to a Gulf country to influence U.S. sanctions.
The United States has signaled a potential shift in its policy, opening the door for Turkey to rejoin the F-35 stealth fighter jet program. This development has drawn opposition from Israel. Turkey was previously excluded from the program after acquiring Russian S-400 missile defense systems, a move that raised security concerns within NATO. Concurrently, Russia has confirmed it is in communication with Turkey regarding the S-400 systems, following reports that Ankara might resell them to a Gulf nation in an effort to persuade the U.S. to lift sanctions imposed in 2020.