Turkey Eyes F-35s as Spain Considers Kaan Amid US Tensions

Turkey may be closer to acquiring US F-35 fighter jets and engines for its domestic Kaan aircraft, as President Donald Trump signaled openness to resuming sales to Ankara. Meanwhile, Spain, facing a political freeze in F-35 procurement, has received preliminary contacts from Turkish Aerospace (TAI) regarding the Kaan as a potential replacement for its EF-18 Hornet fleet.

US-Turkey thaw on F-35s

After being expelled from the F-35 program in 2019 over its purchase of Russian S-400 systems, Turkey may see a reversal. At a press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said, "I will probably do something that will make Turkey very happy," referring to the F-35 request Source: euronewses. Additionally, Reuters reported that the US is set to approve the sale of engines for Turkey's Kaan aircraft, despite congressional opposition Source: euronewses. The US Department of State has previously indicated that any such sale would require Turkey to address concerns about the S-400 system under the CAATSA law Source: euronewses.

Spain's dilemma: F-35 vs. Turkish Kaan

Spain's potential acquisition of the F-35 has stalled due to political tensions between Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and former President Trump. In response, TAI confirmed "government-to-government" contacts with Spain about the Kaan, a fifth-generation fighter still in prototype phase Source: elconfidencial. The Spanish Air Force is seeking a replacement for its EF-18 Hornets by 2035–2040. While the F-35 is a proven multirole aircraft, the Kaan is designed primarily for air superiority. Spain's choice may hinge on diplomatic and industrial factors, and could be a leverage tactic in negotiations Source: elconfidencial.