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
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
-
![Canada targets 2028 operational debut for AIM-9X and AIM-120D missiles]()
Canada targets 2028 operational debut for AIM-9X and AIM-120D missiles
The missile programmes form part of a broader effort to strengthen Canadian air-combat readiness as the RCAF transitions from the CF-188 to the F-35A and rebuilds its operational weapons stocks.
-
![AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus]()
AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus
While a potentially accelerated acquisition timeline could strengthen the RAAF’s long-range air combat capability, Canberra’s continued reliance on US missile production is also put under the spotlight in parallel to its push to build a sovereign industry.
-
![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?
