Trump Praises Erdogan but F-35 Deadlock Persists Over S-400

U.S. President Donald Trump lavished praise on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during meetings at the UN General Assembly, calling him a 'tough cookie' and a 'fantastic guy.' However, the warm rhetoric produced no breakthrough on Turkey's removal from the F-35 program.

Turkey was expelled from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russian S-400 air defense systems, triggering mandatory CAATSA sanctions. Turkish officials, including Defence Minister Yasar Guler, have sought readmission, but sources indicate sanctions would remain even if Turkey transferred the S-400s to a third country.

“My friend from Türkiye, he's a tough cookie. Don't mess around with him, he's tough. He's a fantastic guy.”

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack downplayed the F-35's importance on CNN Turk, citing Turkey's indigenous KAAN fighter project expected in the 2040s. Barrack stated the 'ball is in Turkey's court' regarding the S-400 issue, which stems from Congressional legislation.

Meanwhile, Turkey is advancing talks to purchase Eurofighter Typhoon jets as an alternative to modernize its fleet. Erdogan arrived in New York with an announced Boeing aircraft purchase for Turkish Airlines, but secured no reciprocal concessions on defence issues.

Analysts noted Erdogan's limited English may have hindered full comprehension of Trump's remarks. The Turkish leader responded with a hand-on-heart gesture of thanks but left without progress on the core defence disputes.