U.S. Lawmakers Move to Block F-35 Sales to Turkey

Date: 05 September 2025 - 23:20

News ID: ۱۴۳۱۸۷

WASHINGTON (Dispatches) – U.S. lawmakers are pushing a series of amendments in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would effectively ban arms sales to Turkey.
The proposed legislation cites a range of concerns, including Ankara’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile system, alleged violations of Greek airspace, and its military presence in Northern Cyprus.
One amendment, led by Republican Gus Bilirakis and Democrat Brad Schneider, would block the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey unless the White House certifies that Ankara is not materially supporting Hamas or its affiliates. It also demands assurances that Turkey is not threatening Israel militarily or cooperating with adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea.
Another bipartisan amendment would require the State, Defense, and Treasury Departments to investigate Turkey’s alleged ties to Hamas. This includes whether Ankara is hosting Hamas members, holding their financial assets, or allowing them to operate within Turkish-controlled areas.
These measures highlight the growing divide between NATO allies Turkey and the U.S., especially over Gaza and Syria. Turkey backs the current regime of Abu Muhammad al-Jolani in Damascus.
Tensions escalated after Turkey banned Israeli military and official aircraft from its airspace. Reports previously said Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally lobbied U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to block Turkey’s access to the F-35 program.
Turkey’s ties to Hamas have long drawn criticism in U.S. Congress, although both the Trump and Biden administrations have at times used Turkey and Qatar as backchannels to communicate with the group.
Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 following its S-400 purchase. U.S. law requires Ankara to relinquish the Russian system to rejoin the program. A separate amendment to the NDAA would also place Turkey under stricter controls within the Arms Export Control Act, reflecting deep congressional mistrust over its current geopolitical alignments.