Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Türkiye and the United States are entering a new phase of defence cooperation after what he described as productive talks with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO Leaders’ Summit in Ankara.
During his concluding speech for NATO’s 36th Leaders summit in Ankara on Wednesday, Erdogan said the F-35 fighter jet issue was among the most important topics discussed with Trump, adding that the US president had a positive view of Türkiye’s request to return to the programme.
"Trump has a positive view on the sale of F-35 jets to Türkiye. Hopefully, the world will see the US keep its promise," Erdogan said.
He added that Washington had largely lifted defence-related restrictions on Ankara and said developing economic and defence ties with the US serves the interests of both countries.
F-35s, KAAN engines and defence cooperation in focus
Erdogan said Türkiye’s defence cooperation with the US could expand beyond fighter jets, including discussions on defence industry projects and naval platforms.
"We discussed joint defence industry steps, including ship building," he said, adding that possible cooperation could include frigates, submarines and corvettes.
The Turkish president also said he had previously discussed the supply of F110 engines for Türkiye’s indigenous KAAN fighter jet with Trump, expressing hope that there would be no obstacles.
Erdogan described his meeting with Trump as "very fruitful" and said the US president left the talks satisfied.
Ankara summit aims for stronger NATO
Reflecting on the NATO summit hosted by Türkiye, Erdogan said the gathering laid the foundation for a stronger alliance built on greater European responsibility, enhanced military capabilities and fairer burden-sharing.
"The summit, which we hosted at a time when Euro-Atlantic security is being put to the test, was conducted in a manner that will shape our shared future," Erdogan said.
He said solidarity among allies was clearly demonstrated in Ankara, noting that all NATO members participated at the leaders’ level.
Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s defence capabilities, saying the country is "well ahead" of many NATO allies in defence spending, military capacity and defence industry development.
"Türkiye is one of the few NATO allies that produce its own fighter jets, tanks, ships and develop its own air defence systems," he said.
He added that Ankara is ready to take on greater responsibility for fair burden-sharing within NATO.
Türkiye calls for fewer defence trade barriers
Erdogan urged NATO allies to reduce restrictions on defence industry trade, arguing that the alliance should be based on countries strengthening one another rather than becoming dependent on each other.
He said Türkiye’s Steel Dome air defence project represents a major contribution to regional security, calling it NATO’s "strongest air defence shield in the region."
On wider security issues, Erdogan said Türkiye remains ready to bring Russia and Ukraine together to help end the war and stressed that tensions in the Middle East must be addressed through diplomacy.
He also said European Union defence initiatives should complement NATO rather than create unnecessary duplication.
