Turkey inches closer to F-16 fighter deal
The US State Department finally gave its approval for the sale of F-16s to Turkey after the country ratified Sweden’s NATO membership. (Photo: Turkish MoD)
The majority of US senators have declared their support for the sale of F-16s to Turkey despite concerns regarding the country’s past military behaviour, thereby emphasising the importance of the US in fulfilling its commitments to NATO allies and enhancing Turkey’s military capabilities.
The US Senate has decisively rejected an attempt to halt the US$23 billion sale of F-16V fighter jets and modernisation kits to Turkey.
The Senate concluded with a 79 to 13 vote against a resolution of disapproval of the fighter sale last week. Rep Senator Rand Paul, an opponent of the deal who introduced the resolution, stated that the sale would encourage Turkey’s “misbehaviour”.
“I also remain deeply concerned about the negative strategic implications of this proposed sale, given Turkey’s reckless military actions in recent years,” Paul said on the Senate floor ahead of the vote.
Other members of the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Anduril and GA-ASI propel forward in US Air Force CCA programme’s next phase]()
Anduril and GA-ASI propel forward in US Air Force CCA programme’s next phase
Anduril and GA-ASI have raced ahead in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiative, securing contracts with the US Air Force to build production representative flight test platforms.
-
![Another Saab GlobalEye lands in the UAE]()
Another Saab GlobalEye lands in the UAE
The arrival of the latest GlobalEye marked the fourth AEW&C aircraft delivery to the UAE in just four years.
-
![Greece and Israel cosy up over Rafael’s Spyder air defence system]()
Greece and Israel cosy up over Rafael’s Spyder air defence system
Ongoing discussions between Greece and Israeli arms manufacturer Rafael to acquire Spyder air defence systems underscored the resilience of international business ties despite geopolitical tensions.
