Türkiye-US Defence Talks Focus on F-35 Programme and NATO Security
Türkiye and the United States have renewed high-level engagement through fresh Türkiye-US defence talks in Washington, D.C., focusing on defence cooperation, regional security, counterterrorism and Ankara’s efforts to return to the F-35 fighter jet programme.
Senior Turkish official Hulusi Akar held meetings with influential members of the US Congress as both NATO allies explored ways to strengthen defence ties despite longstanding disagreements over military policy.
The discussions also covered developments across the Middle East, including rising security concerns involving Iran.
Türkiye-US Defence Talks Highlight NATO Cooperation
Akar, chairman of the Turkish Parliament’s National Defense Committee, met Representative Brian Mast, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The two officials discussed bilateral relations, defence cooperation and regional security developments. Akar emphasized that stronger military cooperation could benefit both countries while contributing to NATO’s collective defence.
He also reiterated Türkiye’s position that returning to the F-35 programme would serve the interests of both Ankara and Washington, as well as the wider NATO alliance.
Both officials stressed the importance of maintaining regular dialogue between lawmakers to support stable and constructive relations.
F-35 Programme Remains a Major Issue
The F-35 fighter programme remained a central issue during the Washington meetings.
The United States removed Türkiye from the programme in 2019 after Ankara acquired Russia’s S-400 air defence system. Washington subsequently imposed sanctions on Türkiye, further straining relations between the two NATO members.
However, bilateral ties have shown signs of improvement. Following a recent NATO summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said US President Donald Trump had indicated a positive approach toward resolving the F-35 dispute.
Erdoğan also said Washington had already eased some sanctions affecting Türkiye.
Despite those developments, neither government has announced a formal agreement on Ankara’s return to the programme. The latest discussions indicate that negotiations are likely to continue.
Counterterrorism Cooperation Takes Centre Stage
Akar also met Representative Rick Crawford, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, for discussions on regional security and counterterrorism.
During the meeting, Akar outlined Türkiye’s “Terror-Free Türkiye” initiative and explained its objectives for strengthening security and regional stability.
He also called for closer intelligence cooperation and greater coordination against terrorist organisations.
Both sides agreed that continued collaboration is important for addressing shared security threats and strengthening regional stability.
Regional Security Remains a Priority
The discussions come as security challenges across the Middle East continue to affect NATO members and their regional partners.
Türkiye and the United States have differing positions on several regional issues, but officials on both sides have continued seeking areas where cooperation is possible.
Defence coordination, intelligence sharing and counterterrorism remain important areas of common interest.
Dialogue Could Help Rebuild Trust
The latest Türkiye-US defence talks reflect efforts by Ankara and Washington to maintain high-level communication while addressing longstanding disagreements.
Although significant differences remain, continued parliamentary and diplomatic engagement could help rebuild trust between the two allies.
Both sides are expected to remain focused on practical areas of cooperation, particularly defence, intelligence, counterterrorism and regional security, as Türkiye and the United States seek to strengthen their long-standing NATO partnership.
