Crises in Europe’s joint defense projects are bringing Türkiye’s 5th-generation fighter aircraft KAAN to the forefront for NATO countries.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated during a White House meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that a breakthrough on Turkey's requests for F-35 fighter jets and engines for its indigenous KAAN fighter aircraft program may be possible ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara.

Israel has approved a major procurement plan for new F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets to strengthen its long-term air superiority.

Greece has approved a new anti-drone, anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic defense system under the “Achilles Shield” project, marking a major step in its defense modernization drive.

The US military is preparing to accept new F-35s without the APG-85 radar due to delays in the system’s development, potentially limiting the aircrafts’ combat capability for a temporary period.

At World Defence Show 2026 in Riyadh, KAAN, J-35A, KF-21 and F-35 appeared side by side. Chinese media highlighted Türkiye and South Korea’s stronger presence at the event.

The U.S. approved a $908 million sale of 120 JASSM-ER cruise missiles to the Netherlands, enhancing the strike capability of its F-35A fleet.

The U.S. approved the sale of 40 new F-16s and upgrades for Türkiye’s fleet, alongside 40 F-35s for Greece, linking the deal to Sweden’s NATO accession.