Defense Minister Yaşar Güler stated that Turkey's efforts to resolve issues related to the S-400 air defense system are ongoing, with the United States engaged in dialogue. In written responses to lawmakers, Minister Güler indicated that Ankara and Washington are pursuing solutions within the framework of improving bilateral relations. The matter was also discussed during talks between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump at the NATO summit held in Ankara earlier this month.

The Ministry of National Defence recalled that in 2019, the United States removed Turkey from the F-35 program following Ankara's acquisition of the S-400 system. Washington claimed the system posed a threat to the fighter jets and was incompatible with NATO systems. Turkey's officials countered that there is no conflict between the two systems and proposed establishing a commission to examine the issue.

During his Ankara visit, Trump emphasized the need to lift sanctions that have strained relations between the two allies. "We will lift the sanctions. We do not want to punish our friends with sanctions," Trump stated, demonstrating a firm stance on the matter. These sanctions were imposed under the U.S. Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) due to Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 systems.

Minister Güler stated that Turkey and the United States are working to develop their relations in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation. With an apparent reference to Russia, he emphasized that solution-seeking efforts continue on matters involving third countries. "Our military and political relations with the United States are advancing with positive momentum. We are seeking solutions through mutual understanding and cooperation," Güler said, adding that Turkey's defense planning is prepared with long-term strategic considerations in mind.

From a Turkish defense sector perspective, returning to the F-35 program would strengthen Ankara's position within the NATO alliance and increase access to aviation technology. The technical compatibility issue between operational use of the S-400 system and F-35 integration has been a long-debated topic in the international defense sector. Similarly, NATO-standard air defense systems such as Patriot and NASAMS operate alongside various platforms and weapons in operational environments. Turkey's maintenance of both systems in its operational inventory reflects the diversity of its regional defense strategy.