US Department of State announces Türkiye’s advancement in F-16 Block 70 acquisition
An F-16 escorts the first flight of the United States Air Force's B-21 "Raider", in Palmdale, California, U.S., November 10, 2023. (Reuters)
The U.S. Department of State’s Political-Military Affairs division has announced a significant advancement in Türkiye’s acquisition of new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, emphasizing its enduring commitment to a security partnership with Türkiye.
U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye, Jeff Flake has praised Türkiye’s steps for acquiring the latest generation of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets and modernizing its existing F-16 fleet, noting the positive impact on U.S. national security, Türkiye’s national security, and NATO interoperability.
The U.S. Department of State’s Political-Military Affairs division expressed pride in the major step forward in Türkiye’s acquisition of the new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, showcasing the unwavering commitment to a security partnership with Türkiye.
As of yet, there has been no official statement from Türkiye’s official channels regarding the announcement.
The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) notified Türkiye of the potential sale of the “F-16 Block 70” package worth up to $23 billion on January 26, 2024, through foreign military sales (FMS).
For the sale to proceed, U.S. Congress had to refrain from objections for 15 days. During the 15-day review and objection period, only Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky objected in the Senate.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee received Paul’s resolution, but took no action on it, allowing the sales process among the relevant institutions to proceed smoothly.
In May, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President and General Manager of the Integrated Fighter Aircraft Group, O.J. Sanchez, described the successful completion of the U.S. Congress process regarding the F-16 sale to Türkiye and the opportunity to work again with Türkiye on the “Block 70” series of F-16s, equipped with the latest technologies and proven in numerous battles over 50 years, as “exciting.”
F-16 Viper Block 70
The F-16 Viper Block 70, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, boasts impressive technical specifications. Powered by the F110-GE-132 engine with a thrust of 29,000 pounds, this aircraft has a wingspan of 9.48 meters, a length of 15.03 meters, and a height of 5.09 meters. Its empty weight is 8,582 kg, and its maximum takeoff weight is 21,772 kg. The F-16 Viper Block 70 can achieve a maximum speed of Mach 2.0 (2,124 km/h) and has a range of 3,900 km. Furthermore, it has a service ceiling of 50,000 feet (15,240 meters), allowing for versatile operations in various airspace conditions.
This strategic investment in the F-16 Viper Block 70 aircraft underscores Türkiye’s commitment to modernizing its air force and enhancing its defense capabilities. The incorporation of advanced technology and indigenous modernization kits reflects Türkiye’s efforts to bolster its defense industry and achieve self-sufficiency in critical defense systems.
