Since 2021, Turkey has sought to purchase 40 of Lockheed Martin's latest generation F-16 aircraft, 79 kits to modernize its existing fleet of aircraft, and purchase hundreds of bombs and missiles. fire. This contract aims to modernize the second largest F-16 fleet in NATO.
Earlier this year, the US approved the deal after Türkiye ratified Sweden's membership in the NATO alliance.
However, Bloomberg reports that Türkiye now wants to buy fewer aircraft upgrade kits as well as buy less ammunition. This move by Ankara is intended to save billions of dollars when domestic spending is cut.
The source revealed that Türkiye wants its military aviation industry to provide some products itself.
The agreement to purchase 4th generation F-16 aircraft will strengthen the Turkish air force. Deliveries are expected to take place around 2030. The package also includes several upgrades with radar, electronic warfare suite, communication system...
"Türkiye's decision to buy F-16 serves the political goal of restarting the relationship with the US" - strategist Nihat Ali Ozcan at the Economic Policy Research Foundation in Ankara pointed out.
This defense deal will help Ankara stop using old F-4 aircraft and modernize its existing F-16 fleet as a temporary measure until Türkiye is capable of developing its own fighter aircraft. .
The US has blocked Türkiye from purchasing Lockheed's most advanced F-35 fighter jets after the country purchased Russia's S-400 missile defense system. Ankara is an initial partner of the F-35 and plans to buy about 100 F-35 aircraft. Türkiye is one of the top four foreign customers buying this stealth fighter.
Currently, Ankara wants Washington to lift sanctions on the Turkish defense industry. Although Ankara refused to remove the S-400, it expressed its willingness to compromise with Washington.
NATO members are concerned that Russia's S-400 missile system could pose a risk to F-35 fighter jets.
