Trump says consider selling F-35 fighter jet to Türkiye and plans to lift sanctions

US President Donald Trump said during a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) summit in Ankara that he will decide soon whether to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, despite a ban from Congress, praising the country for being more loyal than other buyers of the aircraft. He added that he would lift sanctions imposed on Türkiye over its purchase of a Russian air defense system.

"We have a better relationship with Turkey, and Turkey has been, in many ways, much more loyal than other countries that we would expect to be loyal," Trump said, arguing that many believe the country should be able to buy F-35s despite its acquisition of the Russian air defense system.

The American president said sales are "something we are certainly considering."

"It's a great aircraft. The best - currently, by far, the best aircraft - and certainly something we'll consider," he said.

F-35 Fighter - 7/19/2024 REUTERS/Marco Garcia
US officials previously told CNN that Trump is expected to signal this week that he is willing to sell the fighters to the country and reverse the ban he imposed during his first term and which was later ratified into law.

It was unclear how the leader plans to get around Congress' ban on the sale of the fighter jets.

However, Trump said Turkey had been an "extraordinary" ally and that the US had an obligation to fulfill the country's requests for military equipment.

NATO: Summit wants to create a favorable environment for the Turkish defense industry, says expert | WW

Suspension of sanctions
When asked about US sanctions arising from Turkey's acquisition of the Russian S-400 system, Trump said they would be lifted soon.

"We will lift the sanctions," he said, adding: "We don't want to impose sanctions on friends."

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Source: CNN