A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers, led by Democratic Representative Dina Titus of Nevada, has launched a congressional initiative to prevent Turkey’s possible re-entry into the F-35 fighter jet program. The effort follows recent remarks by former President Donald Trump suggesting openness to new defense agreements with Ankara—including potentially lifting restrictions on advanced U.S. military hardware.
Lawmakers Demand Legal Safeguards
An open letter circulating among members of Congress calls on House leadership to use all available legislative tools to block any Turkish reinstatement in the F-35 program unless Ankara first resolves two core issues: the continued possession of Russia’s S-400 air defense system and the outstanding sanctions imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
The letter is expected to be sent to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). Its central message is clear: U.S. law cannot be circumvented while Turkey retains the Russian-made S-400 — a system Washington has long deemed incompatible with NATO interoperability and a direct threat to the F-35’s security and operational integrity.
Legal Leverage and Legislative Tools
Lawmakers cite the Arms Export Control Act, which empowers Congress to block major arms sales through a joint resolution of disapproval after formal notification from the administration. They also reference the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which explicitly prohibits the transfer of F-35s to Turkey unless Ankara permanently removes the S-400s from service—and provides verifiable assurances it will not acquire them again.
The initiative comes amid heightened diplomatic activity ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara on July 7–8. Reports suggest Ankara has requested advanced U.S. defense equipment—including General Electric F135 engines and F-35 jets—as part of broader negotiations. Trump’s reported comment during a White House meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte—where he confirmed plans to visit Turkey with a “big bag of gifts”—fueled speculation about a potential shift in U.S. policy.
Background: S-400s, Sanctions, and Suspension
Turkey was formally removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after taking delivery of the S-400 system. U.S. officials warned that integrating the Russian system into Turkish defense infrastructure posed unacceptable risks to the stealth capabilities and sensitive data of the F-35 fleet.
In December 2020, the State Department imposed CAATSA sanctions on Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), citing its role in acquiring the S-400s. As the letter underscores, those sanctions remain fully in force. There is no public evidence that Turkey has dismantled, deactivated, or otherwise relinquished control of the S-400 batteries—or addressed the underlying concerns that triggered the penalties.
The lawmakers also note Vice President JD Vance’s reported statement that a legal review is already underway to assess how such a sale could proceed—underscoring the seriousness with which Capitol Hill is treating the issue.