A model of an F-35 fighter jet is displayed in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, April 30, 2026. (Photo: Kenny Holston / The New York Times)
A group of Democratic lawmakers has launched the first congressional effort to block Turkey’s possible return to the F-35 fighter jet program, warning that such a move would violate existing U.S. law and undermine security interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Eighteen Democratic members of Congress, led by Representative Dina Titus and joined by members of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, sent a letter to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries urging them to use all available legislative tools if the Trump administration moves to reinstate Turkey in the program.
The lawmakers said they were concerned by reports that President Donald Trump is considering restoring Ankara’s participation in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Trump recently suggested he could bring a “big gift” to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while Vice President J.D. Vance has said the administration is reviewing whether and how such a step could proceed.
Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air defense system. U.S. officials said at the time that operating the Russian system alongside the F-35 could expose sensitive information about the aircraft’s capabilities.
The lawmakers noted that sanctions imposed on Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, or CAATSA, remain in force because Ankara continues to possess the S-400 system.
They also pointed to the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which bars the transfer of F-35 aircraft to Turkey unless Ankara no longer possesses the S-400, guarantees it will not acquire the system again and confirms it has not accepted additional related deliveries or other systems that could compromise U.S. military technology.
The letter cites Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on June 3, in which he said the administration remains bound by existing law and cannot reintegrate Turkey into the F-35 program while those restrictions remain in place.
Beyond the legal objections, the lawmakers warned that restoring Turkey to the program would send a damaging message to U.S. allies, particularly Greece, Cyprus, Armenia and Israel. They cited Turkey’s posture toward Greece and Cyprus, its support for Azerbaijan during conflicts with Armenia and its strained ties with Israel.
The lawmakers said Congress must preserve oversight over the transfer of advanced U.S. military technology, especially to countries that have conducted significant defense transactions with Russia.