The US government has announced that it will transfer F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. This decision was made in consultation with Congress. It comes after Turkey agreed to lift its veto on Sweden and Finland joining NATO.
The sale of the F-16s has been controversial for years. In 2019, the Trump administration blocked the sale after Turkey purchased Russian-made S-400 air defense systems. However, the Biden administration is more open to selling the jets to Turkey. The sale is conditioned on Turkey lifting its veto on Sweden and Finland joining NATO.
The sale of the F-16s aims to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank and improve US-Turkey relations. However, some critics argue that it will reward Turkey for buying the S-400s.
The finalization date and the number of jets Turkey will purchase remain unclear. Nonetheless, moving ahead with the sale signifies a significant step in improving US-Turkey relations.
Additional details about the sale include:
- Turkey has requested the purchase of 40 new F-16 Block 70 jets and 80 modernization kits for its existing F-16s.
- The sale’s estimated cost is $20 billion.
- Congressional approval is still required for the sale.
- The Biden administration will collaborate with Congress to ensure the sale aligns with the best interests of the United States.
