The Trump administration is proceeding with a controversial $700 million arms sale to Turkey, a NATO ally, despite concerns over its closeness to Russia and terrorist groups in the Middle East. The sale includes the transfer of defense articles, primarily fighter jets, to Turkey.

Concerns Over Turkey’s Relationship with Russia

Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed concerns over the sale, stating that the State Department did not provide a written rationale or attempt to justify its decision. Meeks also noted that Turkey’s possession of the Russian S-400 air defense system poses a significant threat to NATO’s cohesion and readiness.

Turkey’s acquisition of the S-400 system in 2019 led to its exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program and the imposition of U.S. sanctions. The S-400 system is designed to detect and track stealth aircraft, such as the F-35, which could compromise the security of NATO allies.

Implications for U.S.-Turkey Relations

The arms sale has sparked concerns among lawmakers, with four Republican representatives releasing a joint statement expressing their opposition to the sale. They cited Turkey’s destabilizing actions in the region, including its occupation of Cyprus and its support for Hamas, as reasons for their opposition.

The sale is seen as a significant boon for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is hosting the 2026 NATO summit in Ankara. The transfer of U.S.-made engines is critical for Turkey’s development of its own fifth-generation fighter jet, the KAAN.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.