Turkey’s national flag carrier, is emerging as a powerful diplomatic bargaining chip for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his latest round of discussions with Washington and President Trump. Negotiations are already underway for a massive order of up to 250 Boeing passenger aircraft by Turkish Airlines, a move some analysts say could serve as leverage in Turkey’s push to rejoin US-led fighter jet programs.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Boeing has already announced that Turkish Airlines have placed an order for 75 787 Dreamliners, while it is also planning to buy “up to 150 737 MAX aircraft in what would be its largest Boeing single-aisle order”.
Several political analysts believe that Ankara could attempt to use such commercial agreements as a “trade-off card” in its broader relationship with the United States, particularly regarding upgrades to F-16 fighter jets and potential access to the F-35 program.
They caution however that no aircraft order alone can automatically reverse Washington’s restrictions. Legal barriers, strong opposition in the US Congress, and concerns within the State Department remain major obstacles. This is not a simple case of “buy Boeing, get F-35s.”
What would be the signs that the Turkish Airline’s deal is influencing negotiations?
- New statements from the State Department or Pentagon signaling progress on the F-35 issue.
- Congressional moves to ease legal blocks, such as adjustments to CAATSA sanctions.
- Formal package agreements (MOUs) linking Boeing purchases with F-16 upgrades.
- Concrete steps by Ankara to deactivate Russian-made S-400 missile systems and allow technical inspections.
For now, the US State Department maintains that Turkey’s possession of S-400 missile system remains a firm barrier to rejoining the F-35 program and that no policy shift has yet occurred.
Turkey was removed from the F-35 program after acquiring the Russian S-400 missile defense system, a decision that triggered U.S. sanctions and created lasting friction. While Ankara has continued to push for access to advanced fighter jets, U.S. officials have consistently stated that Turkey’s possession of the S-400 remains a key obstacle.
Turkish Airlines, majority-owned by the Turkish state and a member of the Star Alliance network, is the world’s fourth-largest airline by destinations served. With more than 35,000 employees and a 50% stake in Antalya-based SunExpress, the carrier plays not only a commercial but increasingly a political role on the global stage.
