US Approves Sale of F-16C/D Block 70 Aircraft And Weapon System to Turkey

Defense News ,U.S :- In a significant development, the U.S. Department of State has given the green light to Turkey's request to purchase and upgrade Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcon Block 70 aircraft, along with comprehensive modernization packages. This decision follows Turkey's approval of Sweden's NATO membership application, a crucial condition set by the United States for the sale.

The agreement, valued at a maximum of $23 billion, encompasses the sale of 40 aircraft (including 8 two-seaters), 8 spare F110-GE-129D engines, and 149 AN/APG-83 SABR radar stations (40 for new aircraft, 99 for upgrades, and 10 spares). Additionally, the deal includes 79 upgrade packages, 16 AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pods, and an extensive arsenal featuring 952 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles, 864 GBU-39/B SDB-I bombs, 96 AGM-88B HARM missiles, 96 AGM-88E AARGM missiles, and 401 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles.

This comprehensive package is now awaiting approval from the United States Congress, which has a 30-day period to issue any potential veto.

The modernization initiative aims to enhance 79 Turkish aircraft, specifically those of the Block 40 and Block 50+ standards, and also involves extending the technical capabilities of these jets. The F-16C/D Fighting Falcons serve as the backbone of the Turkish Air Force’s multirole combat aircraft fleet, actively participating in operational activities both within Turkey and abroad.

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), "The proposed sale will allow Türkiye to expand and modernize its fleet of F-16 aircraft as older F-16 aircraft approach the end of their service life. These new and refurbished aircraft will provide Türkiye with a fleet of modernized multi-role combat aircraft to enable it to provide for the defense of its airspace, contribute to NATO missions to preserve regional security and defend NATO Allies, and maintain interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces. Türkiye has F-16 aircraft in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft and services into its armed forces," as stated in their official statement.