Turkey’s F-35 Deal with U.S. Raises Security Concerns from India to IsraelCurated by: Shailesh Kumar Shukla | Navbharat Times, 6 Dec 2025, 11:09 AM IST

Ankara: Turkey is preparing to make a major deal with the United States for F-35 fighter jets, potentially ending its controversial S-400 air defense program purchased from Russia. The move, confirmed by U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrett in Abu Dhabi, could have far-reaching implications for regional security, affecting countries from India to Israel.

The S-400 system had long been the primary obstacle preventing Turkey from rejoining the F-35 program. Ambassador Barrett stated that Turkey has resolved operational issues with the S-400, although control over the system remains a sensitive point for the U.S. He expects the matter to be fully settled within four to six months.

Strategic Implications
For Turkey, the deal promises multiple benefits:

1. Improved relations with the U.S., a key NATO ally.
2. Access to critical stealth technology, which could aid Turkey in developing its indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet.
3. Strengthened military posture against Israel, which currently remains the only Middle Eastern country with operational F-35 jets.

Potential Threats for India
The deal also raises concerns for India. Turkey has openly supported Pakistan in the past. During Operation Sindhuri, Turkey reportedly supplied killer drones to Pakistan, which India neutralized using S-400 and other air defense systems. Reports suggest that Turkey could transfer S-400 systems to Pakistan or develop copies of F-35 technology for sale, potentially upsetting the regional balance. Currently, India does not possess any fifth-generation fighter jets, which could put it at a strategic disadvantage.

Background
Turkey’s purchase of S-400 systems in the past led to its exclusion from the F-35 program in 2019. The U.S. imposed sanctions on Turkish defense companies under the CAATSA law, citing concerns that Russian systems could compromise the F-35’s capabilities. Despite its exclusion, Turkey had already paid $1.4 billion for 100 F-35 jets, which has not yet been refunded.

Following a meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in September, Turkey indicated its renewed interest in acquiring the F-35 jets. Both nations, being among NATO’s largest military powers, see the resolution of the F-35 vs. S-400 issue as key to easing tensions within the alliance. Meanwhile, Turkey continues to procure oil and gas from Russia.

As Turkey moves closer to finalizing this deal, the implications for regional geopolitics—from India’s national security concerns to Israel’s strategic calculations—remain significant.