Timeline
A chronological record of key events documenting Turkey's divergence from NATO's collective defense framework.
Debating the Appointment of 12th Secretary General
Turkey raises objections for the candidacy of Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the prime minister of Denmark, to the post of Secretary General. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan asserted that the Danish government failed to act in a responsible manner to alleviate the worldwide concerns of Muslims after the publication of the cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad within the Danish media as well as to address Turkey's concerns regarding the activities of pro-PKK Roj TV.
12th Secretary General Unanimously Elected
Turkey lifts the reservations in the NATO summit on the Alliance's 60th anniversary.
Failed Coup Attempt
A failed military coup attempt in Turkey leads to massive purges of military, judiciary, and civil servants. Erdoğan consolidates power, accelerating Turkey's authoritarian drift. Turkey closed the Incirlik Air Base of NATO Southern Region and restricted its airspace to US military aircraft on July 16, 2016.
Congressional Call for Erdoğan Ban
"We don't need people like you visiting the United States anymore. Erdoğan should never again be invited." — Dana Rohrabacher, Chairman of House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee.
S-400 Procurement Agreement
Turkey signs a deal to purchase Russia's S-400 air defense system despite persistent warnings from NATO members that the system is incompatible with NATO's integrated air defense architecture.
S-400 Deliveries Begin
Russia delivers the S-400 system to Turkey. The United States removes Turkey from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme, citing risk of Russian intelligence compromise.
Operation Peace Spring
Turkey launches military operation against Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria , forces that had been key U.S. partners in the fight against ISIS.
Eagle Defender Plan Blocked
At NATO summit, Turkey blocks the defense plan for Poland and the Baltic states, conditioning approval on NATO classification of Kurdish groups as terrorist organizations. From the NATO summit on December, 3-4 2019 where Turkey vetoed the approval Plan until 30 June, 2020 when lifted its objections, Turkey was holding NATO hostage, demanding concessions as an effective bargaining chip.
Eagle Defender Blockade Lifted
After seven months of extended negotiation and diplomatic pressure, Turkey lifts its objections to the Baltic defense plan.
Hagia Sophia Reconverted to Mosque
Turkey reconverts the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic Byzantine cathedral, into a mosque, drawing international criticism and raising concerns regarding religious pluralism and minority rights within a NATO member state.
Congress Quietly Blocks Arms Sales
Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee freeze all major U.S. arms sales to Turkey.
S-400 Test Firing
Turkey conducts test firing of S-400 system. The U.S. Department of Defense condemns the test "in the strongest possible terms."
CAATSA Sanctions Imposed
U.S. imposes sanctions on Turkey's defense procurement agency under CAATSA , the first time such measures are used against a NATO member state.
Blinken Confirmation Testimony
"The idea that a strategic partner would be in line with one of our biggest strategic competitors in Russia is not acceptable." , Anthony Blinken, 71st Secretary of State.
Finland & Sweden Apply to NATO
In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden submit formal NATO membership applications. Turkey immediately objects, blocking both accessions.
House of Representatives Prohibits the Sale of F-16s
The House of Representatives passes an amendment to the annual defense spending bill (NDAA) that restricts the sale of F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits to Turkey.
Turkish Firms Sanctioned
U.S. Treasury sanctions Turkish firms for supplying components used in Russia's defense sector, as Turkish exports to Russia surge by over 100%.
Bolton Calls for Expulsion
"The alliance ought to put Ankara's membership on the chopping block. Considering expulsion now will allow for debate." , John Bolton, 26th National Security Advisor.
Finland Ratified
After nearly ten months of diplomatic pressure, Turkey's parliament ratifies Finland's NATO membership. Finland joins April 4, 2023.
Sweden Ratified
Turkish parliament finally approves Sweden's accession with a vote of 287-55, twenty months after Sweden's application. Sweden becomes NATO's 32nd member.
46th President Gives the Green Light for the Approval of F-16s Deal
The Biden administration notifies Congress that it approves to provide 40 new F-16 fighters and modernize another 79 of the aircraft already in service. Progress has been heavily stalled due to several ongoing complications. Practically, the purchase of dozens of modernization kits and delivery of new jets remains frozen.
Chora Church Reconverted to Mosque
Turkey reconverts the Chora Church (Kariye Mosque), another historic Byzantine monument, into a mosque. This follows the 2020 Hagia Sophia reconversion, further eroding religious freedom protections required under NATO's foundational principles.
Congressional Letter on NATO Obligations
24 Members of Congress write to Secretary Blinken: "Erdoğan has exacerbated divisions within NATO. The United States should consider steps to ensure Turkey complies."
F-35 to Turkey Blocked
"Allowing Greece to maintain its qualitative and strategic advantage over Turkey is crucial, as it provides a deterrent to Turkey's historic aggression." , Dena Tatius, House Foreign Affairs Committee.
İmamoğlu Imprisoned
Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Istanbul and one of Turkey's leading opposition figures, is imprisoned following politically charged legal proceedings. Since 2016, more than 150 elected mayors from opposition and pro-Kurdish parties have been removed from office and replaced by government-appointed trustees.
Risch Maintains F-35 Hold
"I'm the one that put the hold on the F-35s, and the F-35s they bought and paid for are still sitting in the United States." , James Risch, Chairman Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
40 Members Call for S-400 Compliance
40 Members of Congress write: "Turkey still possesses S-400 systems and has shown no willingness to comply. Lifting sanctions without removing S-400s would jeopardize F-35 integrity."
Rubio Reaffirms F-35 Block on Turkey Over Russian S-400 System
At a Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirms that Turkey remains blocked from the F-35 program over its Russian S-400 system.