Türkiye shares latest developments of F-16, Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 procurement

Sources from Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense addressed journalists’ inquiries about the ongoing procurement of advanced fighter jets for the Turkish Air Force. Among the jets discussed were the F-16 Block 70, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F-35.

The Ministry outlined that the procurement efforts are aligned with the Turkish Air Force‘s needs as they work to diversify and modernize their fleet.

The ministry emphasized these efforts will continue until Türkiye’s domestic Kaan aircraft enter service.

Procurement of 40 F-16 Block 70 jets

According to Ministry sources, Türkiye has committed to purchasing 40 F-16 Block 70 Viper jets, equipped with advanced technology and enhanced capabilities. An initial payment of $1.4 billion has already been made to secure the contract.

Technical discussions with the supplier are ongoing, ensuring that all specifications for the aircraft are met.

In line with the needs of our Air Forces Command, we continue our efforts to acquire modern fighter aircraft equipped with advanced technology and to diversify the inventory until our national aircraft, KAAN, enters service.

In this context, within the scope of the procurement of 40 F-16 Block 70 and specialized ammunition, an initial payment of 1.4 billion dollars was made and the contract entered into force, technical negotiations are ongoing, and technical negotiations for the procurement of 40 Eurofighters are continuing positively.

Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Defence

Positive progress on Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition

In addition to the F-16s, Türkiye is also moving forward with the procurement of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. The technical talks regarding this purchase are reportedly progressing positively, indicating strong prospects for finalizing the deal.

F-35 program, CAATSA sanctions

Sources also provided an update on Türkiye’s ongoing involvement in the F-35 program. Türkiye has formally requested 40 F-35 jets, with six already delivered and stored in hangars.

However, because of the U.S. imposition of CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) sanctions, Türkiye has not received additional deliveries, despite having made prior payments.

The Ministry expressed its disagreement with the sanctions, calling them unjust and urging that all related measures be lifted to maintain the integrity of the NATO alliance.

Our request for 40 F-35s has been officially communicated to our counterparts. Regarding the F-35, there is a payment we have made before, and 6 aircraft have been taken to the hangar. However, for the first time, a NATO member country has not been delivered by imposing sanctions (CAATSA).

We have been saying from the very beginning that this sanction is wrong. Our expectation is that our allies take decisions in accordance with the spirit of the alliance and the common security perspective and that all sanctions, implicit and explicit, are lifted.

Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Defence