US senators say Türkiye’s return to F-35 program would benefit NATO’s defense capacity

US senators have said that Türkiye’s possible return to the F‑35 fighter jet program would be a positive step for both Ankara and Washington while stressing the need to strengthen NATO’s defense industry capacity. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Co‑Chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group, said the issue could move forward if a solution is found to address concerns over Türkiye’s acquisition of the Russian S‑400 air defense system.

S‑400 concerns and path forward

Shaheen recalled that Türkiye was removed from the F‑35 program after its purchase of the system. She said Türkiye’s return to the program would be positive for both countries if a solution eliminates the threat posed by the S‑400 system to F‑35 technology and if all sides can reach an agreement. “We still have questions to answer with respect to what's being proposed, and we haven't gotten those answers,” she said, adding: “So we will wait and see what happens.”

Congressional view and Ukraine support

Asked about US‑Türkiye relations, Shaheen said criticism of Türkiye exists in the US Senate but that Congress views the relationship positively, particularly because of its role in NATO. She noted strong awareness in Congress of the importance of Türkiye’s defense industry infrastructure and its contribution to the alliance. Senator Mike Rounds said Türkiye is an important contributor to NATO, adding that strengthening its capabilities would benefit the alliance. “Anything we can do to provide them with the resources to be an even stronger adversary with regard to incursions by Russia in Europe, the better off we all are. One of those is to have that tool of the F‑35,” he said. Senator Dick Durbin said the summit demonstrated that support for NATO is not limited to the US, adding: “NATO is alive and well.”