Turkey could soon resolve its long-running arms dispute with the US, as both countries aim to end defence-related sanctions by the end of the year. US envoy to Ankara, Tom Barrack, said President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have agreed to push for a diplomatic solution. Talks are already underway, and officials believe a final decision could come within six months.
Turkey Seeks End to US Weapons Sanctions
The dispute began after Turkey purchased Russia’s S-400 missile defence system, which led the US to impose sanctions in 2020 under the CAATSA law. The US also removed Turkey from the F-35 jet programme, arguing that the Russian system could expose sensitive aircraft data. Since then, the issue has remained unresolved.
However, US envoy Tom Barrack said both presidents have asked their diplomats to work together and find a way forward. “My belief is that by the year end, we have the possibility of having a solution, my belief is they’re going to solve the problem,” he said. He also noted that Congress is open to a new approach, “All these things that have been discussed for five years, F-35s, F-16s, S400s, sanctions, tariffs… Enough. We have to put that aside, and Congress is willing to take a fresh look at it.”
Defence Cooperation Could Boost Trade
Improving defence ties between Turkey and the US could help unlock more trade deals. In March, President Erdogan raised the issue with Trump, asking the US to allow Turkey to rejoin the F-35 programme and approve the sale of F-16 fighter jets. He later said the sanctions had already started to ease and expected a full resolution soon.
At the NATO summit in The Hague, Erdogan again met Trump and called for greater defence cooperation. “Advancing cooperation in the defence industry would facilitate achieving the goal of a $100 billion trade volume,” Erdogan said. Turkey is also working to upgrade its air force by seeking 40 Eurofighter Typhoons from a European consortium that includes Germany, Britain, Spain, and Italy.
