NATO

A Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter takes off during an air show at the Teknofest festival at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul on Sept. 17, 2019.

Analysis

Five ways Turkey could get back into US F-35 fighter jet program

As the US ambassador to Turkey emphasizes strict compliance with American law, Ankara faces a narrow set of options to regain access to the F-35 program.

Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 31: Members of the British Royal Navy walk near helicopters parked aboard HMS Prince of Wales, the navy's flagship aircraft carrier, during a public ship tour at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal on August 31, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. The aircraft carrier was opened to the public in connection with the UK Carrier Strike Group's (CSG) port call in Tokyo. The group has been in Japan since August 12 for joint training exercises. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

Turkey deepens Europe defense ties with UK aircraft deal, German security talks

Turkey-European defense cooperation is deepening as Ankara finalizes a military transport deal with the UK and prepares for high-level defense talks with Germany.

OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Israel adapts, Turkey rises, Iran ruined: How 2 years of Gaza war reshaped Middle East

Turkey’s involvement worries Israel in Syria but also raises hopes for pressuring Hamas to agree to President Donald Trump's ceasefire proposal.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Activists and human rights defenders ride aboard a vessel departing from Tunisia's northern port of Bizerte on Sept. 14, 2025.

Turkey vows to support Gaza-bound flotilla, defying Israeli warnings

The Turkish Defense Ministry said its navy vessels and rescue units in the Eastern Mediterranean were monitoring the flotilla and would provide search-and-rescue support if needed.

Latest News

From F-35s to Ukraine: Erdogan-Trump talks signal reset, but sanctions obstacles remain

US President Donald Trump (L) greets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) upon his arrival at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 25, 2025.

UK’s top spy uses farewell from Turkey to lure Russian recruits, sparks fury

Richard Moore

Analysis

As US steps back from Europe, Turkey eyes bigger role in NATO defense industry

People pose for photographs in front of a Turkish Hurjet at Turkey's 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) on July 24, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Will Spain’s exit from US F-35 program open the door for Turkey’s fighter fleet?

People look at a Turkish fighter jet on display at Turkey's 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul on July 25, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Israel military vehicles drive along the border fence into Israel, near the town of Majdal Shams, in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, July 17, 2025.

Analysis

Will Israel’s potential Syria security deal intensify its rivalry with Turkey?

Israeli experts warn that a security deal with Syria won’t ease tensions with Turkey or end the ongoing battle for regional influence.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

US Air Force F-35A performs during an exhibition flight demonstration as part of the 55th edition of the International Paris Air Show (Salon international de l'aeronautique et de l'espace - SIAE) at the ParisLe Bourget Airport, in Le Bourget, north of Paris on June 19, 2025.

Trump admin reaffirms F-35 ban on Turkey after letter from 40 Democrats

The State Department's reassurance followed renewed pressure from lawmakers from both parties opposed to Turkey accessing F-35 technology while retaining the Russian S-400.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) arrives for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Heads of State and Government summit in The Hague, on June 25, 2025.

NATO summit to be held in Turkey next year, alliance says

Brussels' announcement comes as the Trump administration and Erdogan's government have continued to stake out common ground on stabilizing Syria and the southern Caucasus region.

urofighter jet fighters from the United Kingdom fly over the North Sea.

Turkey, UK near deal as Germany approves Eurofighter sale: What to know

Turkey and the United Kingdom inked a preliminary agreement for the sale of 40 Eurofighter jets after Germany lifted its hold on the deal.

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Analysis

Turkey’s defense industry eyes $200B opportunity from NATO's 5% push

NATO’s recent decision to mandate its members to spend at least 5% of their GDP on defense presents Turkey with new possibilities in planning and acquisitions.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

KEMAL ASLAN/AFP via Getty Images

As it presses for F-35 jets, Turkey prioritizes air defense for NATO’s 5% spending target

As Turkey prioritizes boosting its air defense system to meet NATO’s new spending target, the president has revived Ankara’s push to buy fighter jets.

OVEMBER 13: U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands during a press conference in the East Room of the White House on November 13, 2019 in Washington, DC. During their meeting, Trump and Erdogan were scheduled to discuss Turkey's purchase of a Russian air defense system as well as the Turkish offensive against the Kurds in Syria. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Analysis

Turkey sees opportunity with Trump to weaken Kurdish bloc, acquire F-35

During recent high-level talks held in Washington, both sides signaled their willingness to address some long-running issues — yet failed to address some of the biggest sticking points in US-Turkey relations.

Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Haifa port

Turkey blocks Israel from NATO crisis response drill amid Gaza row: What to know

The diplomatic conflict between Turkey and Israel over the Gaza war has spilled over into NATO.

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud meets with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in AlUla, Saudi Arabia January 26, 2025. Saudi Press Agency

Analysis

Italy revamps ties with Saudi Arabia, eyeing investments and defense trade

On her first visit to Saudi Arabia, Meloni is seeking to rebrand Italy's political engagement in the Middle East and bring about a new era for Italian industry in the region.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

US President Joe Biden (R) holds a bilateral meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, Oct. 30, 2024.

Turkey deems 'unacceptable' any Greek Cyprus NATO membership attempt

The Turkish statement came as the president of Cyprus suggested that his country could eventually become a NATO member.

OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey scales back $23 billion F-16 deal with US

Turkey scrapped plans to acquire F-16 modernization kits for domestic industry to take over, the Turkish defense minister said.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte speaks at the press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (not seen) at the Chancellery, Berlin, Germany, Nov. 4, 2024.

NATO chief in Turkey as Russia-Ukraine war escalates

The NATO chief pays his inaugural visit to Turkey following the Turkish president's criticism of the Biden administration over its authorization of the use of longer-range missiles.