Ongoing bilateral talks between the US and Turkey center on delivering six F-35 jets held in storage since Ankara's 2019 removal from the program and the potential lifting of CAATSA sanctions imposed in 2020 over Turkey's S-400 purchase from Russia. Turkish defense officials expressed optimism on October 15, 2026, citing intensive contacts and expectations for removal of sanctions and related defense restrictions as aligned with alliance interests. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed that S-400-related conditions must be addressed before any transfer proceeds. President Trump has voiced personal support for lifting the measures, referencing his relationship with Turkish President Erdogan, following earlier signals at the July 2026 NATO summit. These diplomatic dynamics, alongside Turkey's air force modernization goals, shape trader assessments of timelines for any sanctions relief.