Turkey in Talks to Buy 250 Boeing Jets and Lockheed Martin Fighters

According to reports from Bloomberg and Reuters, Turkey is preparing to place a major aircraft order from the United States, involving both Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

As of September 2025, Ankara is advancing plans to acquire hundreds of commercial airliners from Boeing as well as fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. The deals, potentially worth tens of billions of dollars, are expected to be discussed or finalized during the September 25 meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.

The purchases come as Turkey works to repair ties with Washington after being excluded from the F-35 program due to its acquisition of Russia’s S-400 air defense system.

On the commercial side, Turkish Airlines is negotiating for up to 250 Boeing 737 MAX narrow-body aircraft and 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliner wide-body jets. Such an order would enhance Istanbul’s role as a global aviation hub and strengthen the airline’s competitiveness worldwide. The move also aligns with Turkey’s broader goal of supporting its $900 billion economy through the expansion of a robust national carrier.

On the defense side, Turkey has long sought to modernize its air force. The planned deal with Lockheed Martin includes upgrades to its existing F-16 fleet as well as the possibility of acquiring 40 F-35 fighter jets, along with associated munitions.

Turkey is also seeking U.S. approval to locally produce certain components of the F-35, which would help reduce costs and revive its participation in the program. President Erdoğan is reportedly pushing for over $10 billion in local manufacturing offsets, aiming to integrate Turkish firms into the U.S. supply chain and soften the impact of U.S. sanctions under CAATSA.

If finalized, the agreements would mark a significant step in U.S.-Turkey relations, reflecting closer defense and trade cooperation. For Boeing, the deal would be a major boost in its rivalry with Airbus, especially after Turkish Airlines ordered 230 jets from Airbus in 2023. For Lockheed Martin, the move would strengthen NATO interoperability while addressing the fallout from Turkey’s earlier S-400 purchase.

Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat has confirmed ongoing negotiations with Boeing, though no final decision has yet been made. Boeing and Lockheed Martin have so far declined comment, and Turkey’s defense minister has not issued a statement.

Overall, the potential agreements would modernize Turkey’s air force, expand its commercial aviation footprint, and signal a new chapter in U.S.-Turkey defense and economic ties.

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