Trump Arrives In Turkey For NATO Summit As F-35 Fighter Jet Talks Take Center Stage

by HEDNEWS on July 7, 2026

Trump arrives in Turkey for NATO summit as F-35 fighter jet talks take center stage U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in Ankara for a high-stakes NATO Summit 2026, where discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan are expected to focus on defense cooperation, including a possible pathway for Turkey to regain access to Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. Trump’s visit marks the first trip by a sitting U.S. president to Turkey in more than a decade and comes as Washington and Ankara seek to repair relations strained by Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 Triumf air-defense system. That purchase led to Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program and U.S. sanctions on a Turkish defense entity. Trump is expected to indicate that he is open to restoring Turkey’s access to the F-35 program, a move that would reverse a major policy decision made during his first administration. Officials have said the issue remains complicated by U.S. legal restrictions and security concerns linked to the S-400 system. Trump previously hinted that he was bringing Turkish President Erdoğan an offer that would “make him very happy,” while praising Turkey’s role inside NATO and its military capabilities. The NATO gathering comes amid broader alliance tensions, including disputes over defense spending and the future direction of the alliance. Trump is expected to push allies to increase military contributions while leaders discuss Ukraine, regional security, and NATO readiness. Ankara has long sought to return to the F-35 program after being removed over the S-400 purchase. Turkey argues that it remains a key NATO ally with one of the alliance’s largest militaries and wants advanced aircraft to modernize its air force. Any F-35 agreement could face resistance from lawmakers and regional allies concerned about technology security and the balance of military power in the Middle East.

Trump lands in Ankara The U.S. president arrived for the two-day NATO summit and is scheduled to meet Erdoğan.
F-35 talks expected The possible restoration of Turkey’s access to the fighter jet program is among the most closely watched issues.
NATO agenda Leaders are expected to discuss defense spending, Ukraine, and alliance unity.