Media: Israel concerned over possible Turkish return to F-35 program

Israeli officials and experts are discussing the potential consequences of Türkiye's possible return to the F-35 fighter jet program amid Ankara's growing military capabilities and regional influence, The Jerusalem Post reports.

Debate over the issue has intensified following signals from US President Donald Trump that Washington may reconsider sanctions imposed on Ankara and review its access to the aircraft.

Speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump indicated that lifting sanctions imposed under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) after Türkiye's purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system was under consideration. He also said rejoining the F-35 program was "certainly something we will consider."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, publicly opposed the move, arguing that supplying Türkiye with F-35s or F110 engines could alter the regional balance of power.

According to the opinion piece, concerns in Israel extend beyond the aircraft themselves and centre instead on how Ankara has used advanced military technology elsewhere, particularly in Libya.

Türkiye's operation in Libya's civil conflict beginning in 2019 is presented as an example of its growing ability to project military influence beyond its borders through the use of domestically developed systems, including Bayraktar TB2 drones and electronic warfare platforms.

The article notes that Turkish support helped reverse the momentum of forces led by eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar during the battle for Tripoli, while Ankara later established a lasting military presence through bases and training missions in the country.

The opinion argues that Türkiye's strategy goes beyond arms sales and aims to create long-term political and military partnerships through training programs, maintenance contracts and operational support tied to Turkish-made defence systems.

It also highlights Ankara's efforts to reduce dependence on Western suppliers by expanding its domestic defence industry, including drone production, electronic warfare systems, naval projects and its indigenous fighter jet program.

According to the article, Türkiye's approach to Libya evolved further in recent years, with reports suggesting Ankara opened channels with both sides of the conflict despite previously backing only the internationally recognised government in Tripoli.

The commentary claims Türkiye is increasingly willing to cooperate with rival factions simultaneously if doing so serves its strategic interests, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean, where maritime boundaries and offshore energy resources remain contested.

Israeli officials, the article argues, view the issue primarily through the lens of regional influence and the possibility that advanced military technologies could strengthen groups aligned with Erdoğan's political and ideological outlook.

The piece concludes that debates in Washington over Türkiye's access to the F-35 program are inseparable from broader questions regarding Ankara's regional ambitions and its use of military capabilities in conflict zones such as Libya.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov