Türkiye prioritizes F-16 warplanes over F-35s, pursuing diplomatic steps with US

President Erdogan emphasizes Türkiye’s focus on F-16 warplanes over F-35s, discussing diplomatic efforts with the U.S. senators and ongoing talks with American counterparts

Türkiye’s focus remains on the F-16 warplanes rather than the F-35s, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated in a press briefing Monday.

“We are prioritizing the F-16s over the F-35s,” Erdogan informed reporters at his Justice and Development Party headquarters in Ankara.

He mentioned talks with U.S. senators Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Murphy during their visit to Türkiye, stating: “We have discussed the steps to be taken regarding the F-16s.”

Erdogan further noted ongoing discussions between the Turkish government, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and their U.S. counterparts regarding the warplanes.

The US State Department recently approved the sale of F-16 aircraft and modernization kits to Türkiye, which are valued at $23 billion. This approval came after Türkiye ratified Sweden’s NATO membership.

In October 2021, Türkiye requested the U.S. for 40 new F-16 Block 70 aircraft, along with 79 modernization kits, to upgrade its existing F-16s to Block 70 standard.

Türkiye was previously part of the F-35 program. Still, its participation was suspended because of a dispute over Ankara’s purchase of the Russian S-500 air defense system following unsuccessful attempts to buy U.S. Patriot missiles.

In a recent development, a senior U.S. diplomat hinted at Türkiye rejoining the F-35 program if the ongoing dispute is resolved.

Notably, Türkiye’s successful test flight of its domestically produced fifth-generation fighter jet, the KAAN, took place last week.

Source: AA

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