U.S. envoy conferrs with Güler on military collaboration: Insiders report
In recent developments, high-level talks between Turkey and the United States have been taking place, aiming to resolve obstacles in deepening defense industry cooperation. The discussions have been particularly active since the U.S. approved the sale of 40 F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, a move that seems to have invigorated negotiations.
One of the key issues at hand is the CAATSA sanctions imposed on Turkey due to its acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile system. As of mid-2025, these sanctions remain active, targeting Turkey's Presidency of Defense Industries. However, diplomatic developments suggest that these restrictions may be lifted by the end of the year.
U.S. leaders, including the ambassador, have expressed optimism that the impasse could be resolved soon, potentially clearing the way for Turkey’s re-entry into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, which had been blocked following the S-400 purchase. The resolution of this issue appears linked to negotiations involving the dismantling or relocation of the S-400 system from Turkey, which would remove the key obstacle to restoring full defense cooperation.
In a recent meeting, Turkey's Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Tom Barrack, the U.S. envoy to Ankara, discussed ways to deepen defense industry cooperation between the two nations. Barrack, who is also serving as the U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy to Syria, expressed optimism in resolving existing irritants in a comprehensive interview with private broadcaster Habertürk.
Meanwhile, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are not posing a threat to Turkey and are aware of the need to integrate with the new administration in Damascus. The process of integrating the SDF with the national Syrian army is seven months old and is expected to take more time. Turkey is contributing to this process, demonstrating its commitment to regional stability.
The U.S. and Turkey are also working towards resolving political issues related to the F-35s, F-16s, and S-400s. As the two nations strive to increase their trade volume to $100 billion, the potential resolution of these issues could pave the way for a stronger bilateral relationship.
In conclusion, while CAATSA sanctions targeting Turkey’s defense sector remain active, ongoing high-level talks and proposed diplomatic solutions signal a probable lifting of these sanctions by year-end. This would enable Turkey’s potential return to the F-35 program, contingent on removing the S-400 system incompatibility.
- Analysis of the ongoing talks between Turkey and the United States indicates that policy-and-legislation, such as the CAATSA sanctions, and war-and-conflicts, like the S-400 missile system issue, are at the forefront of political discussions, aiming to deepen defense industry cooperation.
- The discussions between Turkey and the United States on resolving obstacles in defense industry cooperation also involve general-news topics, including the potential lifting of CAATSA sanctions and Turkey's possible re-entry into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, as part of efforts to strengthen trade relations between the two countries and promote regional stability.
