Trump labels Turkey 'great ally' amid F-35 jet sale inquiry
Donald Trump describes Ankara as a key partner while fielding queries on potential fighter jet transfers, with no confirmation of deal status.
US President Donald Trump has described Turkey as "a great ally" in response to inquiries regarding the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Ankara. The statement, reported by Al Jazeera Global News on 28 July 2026, was made while the US president was questioned about the defence transaction.
The comment comes amidst ongoing discussions about the transfer of advanced military aircraft to the Turkish capital. While the president explicitly characterised the bilateral relationship in positive terms, the source material does not confirm whether the sale of the jets has been approved or if the matter remains under negotiation.
The inquiry into the F-35 sale highlights the complex dynamics of defence cooperation between the United States and Turkey. By reaffirming Turkey's status as an ally, the administration appears to be maintaining diplomatic channels even as specific hardware transfers are scrutinised.
No further details were provided regarding the specific circumstances of the questioning or the timeline for any potential agreement. The report focuses solely on the president's characterisation of the alliance in the context of the jet sale discussion.
The incident underscores the intersection of diplomatic rhetoric and concrete defence policy, with the "great ally" designation serving as a significant signal in the absence of a confirmed deal.
