President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed Türkiye-US relations, defense industry cooperation and regional developments in a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump. Countering Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) Emphasizing that sanctions should be lifted, Erdogan said, Return to the F-35 program, the F-16 procurement process and ensuring stability in Syria He drew attention to issues such as.
CAATSA Sanctions and Türkiye's Exclusion from the F-35 Program
Under the CAATSA law that came into effect in 2017, the US Due to purchase of S-400 air defense systems from Russia had imposed sanctions. Within the framework of these sanctions Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and the then President of Defense Industries İsmail Demir, as well as some institution officials was also placed on the US sanctions list.
In addition, Türkiye, F-35 fighter jet removed from program and the role of the Turkish defense industry in the program was terminated. Türkiye had both made financial contributions to the project and played an active role in the production of some important parts. However, this partnership was terminated due to the purchase of the S-400s.
Erdoğan, in his meeting with Trump, said that Türkiye Should be included in the F-35 program He also stated that Türkiye Completion of the F-16 fighter jets procurement process and stated that the modernization of existing aircraft should be allowed.
Latest Developments in Türkiye-US Relations
In recent years, relations between Türkiye and the United States have Syria policy, Eastern Mediterranean tensions, the Israeli-Palestinian issue and relations with Russia There were tensions on many issues such as the S-400 crisis in particular, which disrupted the defense industry cooperation between the two countries.
However, in recent times Türkiye's approval of Sweden's NATO membership in relations between the two countries following developments such as softening signals It was observed. The US, in line with Türkiye's demands Approved the sale of 40 modernized F-16s and the modernization of 79 aircraft.
Erdogan at the meeting Developing closer cooperation with the US in the defense industry He called on Türkiye to underline its importance as a NATO ally. He also said, Emphasizing Türkiye's peace efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war, he said cooperation should be increased to ensure regional stability. expressed.
Stability in Syria and the US Attitude
President Erdogan during his meeting with Trump Stability must be restored in Syria He stressed. Supporting the functioning of the new administration in Syria and the normalization process Erdogan stated that it is necessary, Lifting sanctions against Syria will contribute to the process of refugee return He expressed.
Turkey, He expects more cooperation from the US in the fight against terrorism. and expressing that, in particular, Support for organizations such as the PKK/YPG should be cut off. stated. Türkiye, We expect the US to take steps in line with the spirit of alliance in the fight against terrorism. He stressed.
Defense Industry Cooperation between Türkiye and the USA
Türkiye due to CAATSA sanctions It has been excluded from many joint projects with the US in the defense industry. Erdogan said the lifting of sanctions It will strengthen cooperation within NATO as well as will serve the common interests of the two countries stated.
Turkey, Although it has taken important steps towards increasing its independence in the field of defense industry,, Access to US-made fighter jets such as the F-35 and F-16 remains important is thinking.
On the other hand, Türkiye is not only in a defensive position with the US, It is also trying to strengthen cooperation with other countries in Europe and Asia. But, The lifting of CAATSA sanctions is of great importance for the continuation of the strategic partnership with the United States.
A New Era in Türkiye-US Relations
The last meeting between President Erdogan and US President Trump, It could be the beginning of a new era in relations between the two countries. Erdogan, He prioritized issues such as lifting CAATSA sanctions, returning to the F-35 program, and accelerating F-16 procurement.
The second reason to use the Ensuring stability in Syria, supporting Türkiye's peace efforts in the Ukraine-Russia war, and strengthening cooperation with the US in the defense industry conveyed the necessary message.
Meeting, It is considered an important step for the future of US-Türkiye relations. In particular, the issue of lifting CAATSA sanctions, may play a decisive role in Türkiye-US relations in the coming period.
