Turkey’s potential return to the F-35 program remains blocked by U.S. statutory requirements under the NDAA and CAATSA that Ankara must no longer possess or operate the Russian S-400 system. The six pre-paid F-35As built for Turkish use continue to sit in U.S. storage. As of mid-October 2026, Turkish Deputy Defense Minister Alpaslan Kavaklioglu stated that intensive bilateral contacts are underway on releasing those aircraft and lifting sanctions, citing the strong personal rapport between Presidents Erdogan and Trump as a positive factor. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed the administration’s interest in delivery while reiterating that the S-400 issue must be resolved first. No agreement has been reached, and any re-entry would also require congressional acquiescence and certification of compliance.