turkiye-defence-sanctions-eased-as-us-approves-missile-sale

The United States is reportedly easing sanctions on Türkiye's defence industry, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who announced that Washington had approved a major arms deal as part of the shift.

 

In 2020, the United States imposed sanctions on Türkiye after Ankara confirmed its decision to acquire the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air defence system. The US viewed this as a direct threat to the operational security of its fifth-generation F-35 multi-role fighter aircraft, which relies on a tightly controlled, stealth-oriented technology.

 

Türkiye, however, has consistently rejected calls to abandon the S-400 deal with Moscow, asserting its sovereign right to choose its defence partners and weapon suppliers.

 

"We can safely say that CAATSA sanctions are being eased," Erdogan told reporters on Saturday after returning from the European Political Community summit in Albania. He added that he had spoken with the newly appointed US ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack.

 

“With my friend Trump taking office, we reached a more open, more constructive, more sincere communication,” Erdogan said.

Also read: India revokes security clearance of Turkish aviation firm

 

The easing of sanctions comes as the US has approved a potential missile sale to Türkiye worth over $300 million, a move that Erdogan described as a significant step towards removing remaining barriers between the two NATO allies. “As two major NATO allies, there should be no defence restrictions,” he said.

 

Erdogan also revealed that he had requested Trump, in a phone conversation in March this year, to lift the sanctions, finalise a $23 billion deal for 40 F-16 fighter jets, and reinstate Türkiye in the F-35 fighter jet programme, from which it had been excluded following the S-400 purchase.

 

Trump, according to reports, is open to Türkiye’s return to the F-35 programme, provided the S-400 system is either dismantled or relocated to a US-controlled base.

 

The two leaders have maintained frequent communication, with Erdogan describing Trump as a “friend” and noting that their discussions have been “very good and productive.”

 

Meanwhile, in a significant diplomatic development, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in months on Friday, discussing a potential ceasefire and cessation of hostilities aimed at ending the conflict that has now dragged on for over three years.