Turkey’s Erdogan Urges US to Lift Sanctions Affecting Defense Purchases, Reports Reuters

ANKARA – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has called for the removal of U.S. sanctions that block certain defense purchases and other unilateral measures that hinder the NATO allies from achieving long-term trade objectives.

The relationship between Turkey and the United States has faced tensions in recent years due to a variety of issues, including differing policies in the eastern Mediterranean, Syria, Gaza, and Turkey’s acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems. This purchase led to U.S. sanctions and Turkey’s ousting from the F-35 fighter jet program in 2019.

In response, Ankara sought to acquire 40 Block-70 F-16 fighter jets and 79 modernization kits from the U.S. This deal progressed following Turkey’s approval of Sweden’s NATO bid, which helped to ease bilateral relations.

Both nations have set a long-term target of reaching $100 billion in bilateral trade, a significant increase from approximately $30 billion in 2023.

During a visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, Erdogan expressed optimism about achieving this goal. However, he noted that cooperation in the defense sector has significantly lagged behind its potential due to ongoing restrictions.

Erdogan emphasized the need to eliminate unilateral actions, such as additional tariffs on iron, steel, and aluminum, along with probes and the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) sanctions.

He expressed hope that advancements in the F-16 modernization project would signal a new chapter and that he expects export restrictions in this area to be permanently lifted.

Erdogan pointed out Turkey’s strategic advantages in supply chains, highlighting cooperation in the production and procurement of 155mm ammunition, which has been crucial in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Despite Turkey’s support for Ukraine, it has opposed the sanctions against Russia, asserting that they will not be bypassed within Turkish territory.

In addition to the F-16s, Turkey has shown interest in acquiring Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Germany, Britain, and Spain, although it has raised concerns about the perceived lack of progress due to Germany’s hesitations.

Erdogan recently met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in New York, where he reiterated Turkey’s readiness to enhance cooperation across various sectors and explore joint opportunities beneficial to both nations.