US senators have said Türkiye's return to the F-35 fighter jet programme would be a positive step for both Ankara and Washington while stressing the need to strengthen NATO's defence industry capacity.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit, Jeanne Shaheen, Co-Chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group, said the issue could move forward if a solution addresses concerns over Türkiye's acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defence system, which previously triggered Ankara's removal from the programme.
Shaheen noted a return would be positive if a solution eliminates the threat posed by the S-400 to F-35 technology.
She added that the US Congress views the relationship with Türkiye positively because of Türkiye's role in NATO.
Alliance defence targets
Shaheen noted that all NATO allies have met the 2 percent defence spending target, with expenditures rising 20 percent in 2025.
She added that many allies are considering contributing to mine-clearing activities in the Strait of Hormuz to support efforts to end the war with Iran through negotiations.
Senator Mike Rounds affirmed that Türkiye remains an important contributor to NATO.
"Anything we can do to provide them with the resources to be an even stronger adversary with regard to incursions by Russia in Europe, the better off we all are. One of those is to have that tool of the F-35," he said, pointing to Türkiye's initial manufacturing competency in the project.
