U.S. Ambassador Barrack Predicts Breakthrough on Turkey’s F‑35 Impasse by Year‑End
U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, expressed optimism this week that the long-standing F‑35 fighter jet and CAATSA sanctions disputes may be resolved by the end of 2025 — potentially marking a dramatic turnaround in U.S.–Turkey defense relations.
Why This Matters
F‑35 Exclusion & Sanctions: Turkey was removed from the F‑35 Joint Strike Fighter program in 2019 after acquiring the Russian S‑400 missile defense system. The move also triggered sanctions under the U.S. Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in 2020
$1.4 Billion Loss: Ankara had already invested heavily in the program — including six jets — and continues to pay for them, which remain grounded in the U.S.
- Defense Cooperation at Stakes: Turkey’s participation meant industrial roles in F‑35 production; withdrawal left holes in the supply chain .
What Barrack Said
In an interview with Anadolu Agency during a visit to İzmir, Barrack struck a hopeful tone:
“My belief is that by year-end, we have the possibility of having a solution … Congress is willing to take a fresh look”
He emphasized that Turkish President Erdoğan and former U.S. President Trump have the rapport to direct key figures — such as Marco Rubio and Hakan Fidan — to negotiate a resolution
He emphasized that Turkish President Erdoğan and former U.S. President Trump have the rapport to direct key figures — such as Marco Rubio and Hakan Fidan — to negotiate a resolution.
Political Roadblocks
Senate Holders: Senator Jim Risch (R–Idaho), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, continues to maintain a hold on F‑35 deliveries to Turkey . Source
Security Concerns: Critics emphasize that Turkey’s continued S‑400 deployment risks F‑35 security, with voices in the U.S. defense community urging caution.
Editor’s Take
Ambassador Barrack’s statement signals more than just diplomatic optimism — it hints at a strategic pivot.
Resolving the F‑35 and CAATSA impasse could reintegrate Turkey into a critical defense supply chain, mend strained political ties, and restore NATO coherence. Yet the path forward hinges on tangible concessions around the S‑400 system and overcoming Congressional roadblocks.
Between now and December, watch for:
Technical intergovernmental committees on defense platforms
Floor debates in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Public messaging shifts from both the Pentagon and Ankara