FM: US-Türkiye relationship needs resolution on F-35 and CAATSA

Türkiye's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, addressed the issue of sanctions imposed on Türkiye under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) during a live interview on CNN Turk.

“There was a reason for being subjected to CAATSA sanctions. Now, after Mr. Trump’s meeting with our president, we see that the movement initiated by the previous administration is gaining momentum with a new will,” Fidan explained.

He emphasized that while CAATSA is a law, changes may be needed, and lawyers are already working on this matter. “The new US administration is looking into this issue,” he added.

When questioned about Türkiye's potential return to the F-35 program, Fidan explained the current status. “The rights we have received so far within the current F-35 program include the delivery of 6 F-35 aircraft to Türkiye,” he said. “These are issues we need to resolve through ongoing diplomatic efforts. The money has been paid, the planes are waiting there, but their delivery has been halted due to the legal constraints. Some of our companies were involved in the production here, but they were removed. Now getting them back, receiving what you’ve already given, is a process that requires effort. We are working on it,” Fidan clarified.

He also underscored the broader geopolitical implications of resolving this issue. “As two great allies and NATO members, the US and Türkiye should not have legal issues and practices based on mutual sanctions. Lifting CAATSA is important for this, both from a geostrategic and diplomatic perspective,” Fidan said.

Fidan further noted that other practices have been affected by the psychological impact created by CAATSA, and added that Türkiye’s Defense Industry Directorate and companies are looking to purchase spare parts from the United States, worth around $20 billion.

On the issue of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, Fidan explained that the sanctions related to CAATSA stem directly from Türkiye's acquisition of the S-400. “We are in the process of finding a solution that includes this issue,” he stated.

Regarding the ongoing discussions, Fidan noted that there is no fixed scenario and reaffirmed Türkiye's consistent position. "This is why the US is seeking a resolution to the issue, trying to alter the legal framework," Fidan concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova