Turkey reduces $23 billion F-16 jet agreement with the US: Defense Ministry
Turkey has revised its intended $23 billion procurement of F-16 fighter jets from the United States, opting to cancel the acquisition of 79 modernization kits for its current fleet, according to Defense Minister Yasar Guler.
Turkey, a NATO member, finalized an agreement earlier this year to acquire 40 F-16 fighter jets, along with 79 modernization kits for its existing fleet, from the United States. This development comes after an extended period of negotiations.
During a recent parliamentary hearing, Guler announced that an initial payment of $1.4 billion has been executed for the acquisition of F-16 Block-70 fighter jets. The purchase entails 40 F-16 Block-70 Viper jets along with 79 modernization kits.
According to Reuters, a spokesperson stated, “We decided to forgo the ’79’ modernization, and the reason is that Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) has the capability to handle this upgrade independently, so we have entrusted the project to them.”
According to Guler, Turkey’s acquisition of 40 new Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets, along with the necessary ammunition, is projected to amount to approximately $7 billion.
In October 2021, Turkey finalized an order two years subsequent to its removal from the United States’ fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet program. The expulsion was a repercussion of Turkey’s acquisition of a Russian missile defense system.
Turkey has expressed its desire to re-enter the F-35 fighter jet program and aims to purchase 40 new F-35 aircraft, according to a statement from Guler.
Turkey ranks among the leading operators of F-16 fighter jets, maintaining a fleet that exceeds 200 aircraft primarily composed of the older Block 30, 40, and 50 versions.
Ankara has expressed an interest in acquiring Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, which are produced by a collaborative effort involving Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.
