Israel's F-35 Edge Threatened as US Eyes Turkey Deal
The United States is engaged in what Ambassador Tom Barrack calls "fruitful" discussions with Turkey regarding the potential sale of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters to Ankara, a development that could significantly impact Israel's military superiority in the Middle East.
"The positive relationship between President Trump and President Erdogan has created a new atmosphere of cooperation, which has led to the most fruitful conversations we have had on this topic in nearly a decade," Barrack wrote on X Tuesday.
Israel's Strategic Concerns Mount
Currently, Israel stands as the sole Middle Eastern nation operating F-35s, with 45 aircraft in service and 30 additional units on order. This technological advantage has been a cornerstone of Israel's qualitative military edge, ensuring the Jewish state maintains air superiority over hostile neighbors.
The prospect of Turkey acquiring these advanced stealth fighters raises serious strategic concerns for Jerusalem. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emerged as one of Israel's most vocal critics, repeatedly accusing the Jewish state of genocide and drawing unconscionable comparisons between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Adolf Hitler.
Even more troubling, Erdogan has openly embraced Hamas terrorists, hosting their leadership and disgracefully calling these murderers "freedom fighters."
Turkey's Military Ambitions
Turkey was expelled from the F-35 program during Trump's first presidency after Ankara purchased Russia's S-400 air defense system, creating security risks that could compromise the aircraft's classified capabilities. US law requires Turkey to completely abandon the Russian system before rejoining the program.
Recent Israeli military operations against Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and other regional threats have apparently "unnerved" Ankara, exposing vulnerabilities in Turkey's aging air force. This has accelerated Turkey's push for advanced fighter jets, including both European Typhoons and American F-35s.
Preserving Israel's Edge
Israel's defense establishment has consistently expressed concerns about F-35 sales to regional powers. The IDF's technological superiority, built through decades of innovation and strategic partnerships with the United States, represents more than military hardware - it embodies the Jewish state's commitment to never again face existential threats unprepared.
While Trump recently announced F-35 sales to Saudi Arabia, US officials confirmed those aircraft would be less advanced than Israel's variants, maintaining some degree of the Jewish state's qualitative edge.
As these discussions progress, Israel must remain vigilant in protecting its strategic advantages. The nation's survival has always depended on maintaining technological and tactical superiority over those who seek its destruction. Turkey's acquisition of F-35s would fundamentally alter the regional balance of power, potentially emboldening Erdogan's increasingly hostile rhetoric toward the Jewish state.
The coming months will test whether America's commitment to Israel's security remains unwavering, even as geopolitical considerations pull Washington in different directions.