Turkey considers ditching F-16 Block 70 request in favour of non-US alternative
Possible alternative choices to the F-16 Block 70 could be the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, the Russian Su-35 or the Chinese J-10. (Photo: USAF)
Turkish officials are signalling dissatisfaction and contemplating abandoning plans to purchase F-16 Block 70s from the US as the deal stalemates, and the country faces hard economic decisions.
Click here for Shephard's in-depth background file on the F-16.
Turkish presidential security and foreign policy adviser Cagri Erhan recently said that the request sent to the US to acquire F-16 Block 70s was a mistake as the deal remains in deadlock and his country continues to battle with the aftermath of the recent earthquakes.
Many Turkish officials share this sentiment and have expressed it explicitly as US lawmakers continue to block the potential $20 billion sale of F-16 fighters.
Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in February that ‘the F-16 is not the only option', adding that ‘we expect common sense to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon]()
World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon
L3Harris has completed the production candidate software load for its Viper Shield airborne electronic warfare system and is conducting sea trials with its VAMPIRE counter-drone system.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability
The tests between a Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M and Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system were designed to allow the crew to receive and process real-time data from the UAS while maintaining direct command and control.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Swedish government is expected to make a decision on the next steps of the Future Fighter System Concept programme by 2030, with the current second phase focusing on technology knowledge expansion and demonstration flights.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
