US President Donald Trump signalled on Wednesday that Turkey could be allowed to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet programme ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara next month.
Asked whether he would bring good news to Ankara regarding Turkey's participation in the programme, Trump replied: "I think so."
The question also referred to a US-made engine that Turkey is seeking for another fighter aircraft project.
"I'm going to probably do something that's going to make them very happy," Trump, who was meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, told reporters.
Relations between Washington and Ankara were strained during Trump's first term after Turkey purchased Russia's S-400 air defence system in 2019. The United States subsequently removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet programme and later imposed sanctions on Turkey's defence procurement agency.
Vice President JD Vance said the administration was reviewing whether Turkey met the requirements for renewed participation in the programme, with the process still ongoing.
Trump also highlighted what he described as his good relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, saying the Turkish leader was a controversial figure but noting that he himself was as well.
Trump added that he thinks Erdoğan is "a very good person," and said he might not even attend the NATO summit in the Turkish capital on July 7-8 were it not for him.
