US approves F-16 deal for Turkey and F-35 package for Greece
Turkey has been approved by the US government to purchase 32 F-16 C Block 70 and 8 F-16 D Block 70 aircraft. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
An historic day for US military sales to two Mediterranean powers will have a major impact on the region’s air power dynamics as deals worth a total of more than $31 billion were approved by the US government.
The US government has today approved two major Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreements as it continued attempts to solidify its commitment to strengthening defence partnerships in the eastern Mediterranean. The approvals were for a US$23 billion sale of 40 new F-16 fighter jets to Turkey and an $8.6 billion FMS package for Greece comprising F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and additional equipment.
Turkey’s request for the acquisition and modernisation of F-16 aircraft marked a strategic investment in bolstering its air capabilities. The proposed sale included 32 F-16 C Block 70 and 8 F-16 D Block 70 aircraft, as well as
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
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter]()
Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter
As industrial-scale drone production proves its battlefield worth in Ukraine, what happens to that production capacity and knowhow once the guns fall silent – and is Ukraine about to become one of the world’s most credible UAV export partners?
-
![Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success]()
Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success
The one-way-effector uncrewed aerial vehicle has also been tested by the British Army, following on from its contract award notice in February 2026.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA]()
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up]()
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
