Washington: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Washington on Thursday for his first White House visit in nearly six years, seeking to leverage a warming bilateral relationship to overturn longstanding U.S. sanctions and secure access to advanced F-35 fighter jets. The meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump comes amid what analysts describe as the strongest U.S.-Turkey ties in years, fueled by aligned interests in Syria and shared perspectives on regional diplomacy.
Turkey’s F-35 ambitions have been stymied since 2020, when Washington imposed sanctions over Ankara’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system. Erdogan’s visit aims to revisit these restrictions, potentially opening the door to the Lockheed Martin jets, while also discussing the procurement of 40 additional F-16s and upgrades to its existing fleet. Turkish officials have also indicated interest in expanding trade and defense cooperation, including potential Boeing aircraft deals.
While Congress remains cautious about reversing sanctions, diplomatic insiders suggest that a carefully negotiated framework could reconcile U.S. legal restrictions with Turkey’s defense modernization goals. Trump expressed optimism ahead of the meeting, stating that F-35 discussions are expected “to conclude positively.”
Beyond fighter jets, the talks are set to address broader geopolitical issues. Erdogan and Trump share a cooperative stance on Syria, a historic point of tension between the two nations. However, disagreements over Israel’s actions in Gaza remain a potential flashpoint, with Erdogan publicly denouncing the attacks as a “genocide,” contrasting sharply with U.S. policy.
Additional discussions will likely include energy, trade, and strategic military cooperation, reflecting Ankara’s ambition to bolster its regional influence while deepening ties with Washington under a Trump administration perceived as more favorable to Erdogan.
The visit underscores a broader recalibration in NATO relations, with Turkey seeking to capitalize on a less adversarial U.S. approach compared with previous administrations. Analysts note that Erdogan’s personal rapport with Trump, combined with shared policy interests, may facilitate breakthroughs in defense sales and strengthen Turkey’s role within the alliance, potentially reshaping regional security dynamics.
As the meeting unfolds in the Oval Office, observers worldwide will be watching closely to see whether Erdogan can secure a path to advanced U.S. fighter jets and cement a new chapter in U.S.-Turkey relations.