Turkish F-16 endeavours impaired by Democrats’ US Senate control
The F-16 Block 70 configuration would provide Turkey with a fifth-generation radar capability courtesy of Northrop Grumman’s APG-83 AESA radar. The country is now developing its own alternative radar system however. (Photo: US DoD)
The Turkish president was confident a Republican-controlled Senate would deliver the country’s coveted F-16 deal. With a Democratic Senate confirmed after mid-term elections, Ankara’s position to up its fighter jet game seems as doubtful as ever.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Turkey’s effort to complete its purchase of F-16 fighter jets would be easier if the Republican Party gained control of the US Senate, local media reported.
‘My hope is that the next month is filled with some good news and we progress in a very positive direction on the F-16 issue,’ Erdogan was quoted as telling reporters on a flight from Uzbekistan.
‘If the Republicans claim the few seats they need in the Senate, things will be much easier for us,’ he added.
The Turkish president’s confidence came from his alleged
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?]()
Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?
Demand signals for counter-drone technology are strong and the market is becoming crowded, but is this really the beginning of a new phase of warfare or will commentators be talking about something else 10 years from now?
-
![The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth]()
The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth
Total annual drone spending has increased nearly sixfold since the start of the decade, from $2.9 billion in 2020 to $16.3 billion in 2028, with Europe leading the rise.
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
