Erdogan says he discussed defence cooperation with Trump

Ankara (ANTARA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he and the United States have discussed defence industry cooperation, including warship, submarine and frigate projects.

“We have discussed defence industry cooperation with US President Donald Trump; in particular, we discussed ships, submarines and frigates,” Erdogan told journalists in Ankara, Türkiye, on Wednesday (8/7).

Despite differences of opinion in recent years, Türkiye and the United States have continued their dialogue on defence industry cooperation.

In addition to discussing the delivery of F-16 fighter jets and the possibility of Ankara’s return to the F-35 programme, Türkiye and the US are also exploring prospects for cooperation in the naval sector, including the construction of surface vessels and submarines as well as the joint development of defence technology.

Erdogan said Trump took a positive stance towards supplying the US fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye. Ankara hopes Washington will now honour its promise.

Responding to the prospect of F-35 fighter jet sales to Türkiye on Tuesday (7/7), Trump said the US had not yet made a final decision. However, Erdogan said his side had received a promise from the US regarding the supply of five F-35 fighter jets. Trump then reaffirmed on Wednesday (8/7) that he had not made a decision on a possible sale of the F-35 jets.