There is no requirement for F-16 | Defense Industry News

The Ministry of National Defense made a statement regarding Turkey’s procurement of 40 new F-16 Block-70s and the modernization of 79 existing F-16s. It was announced that, contrary to what was claimed on Greek news sites, the F-16 issue was not subject to any conditions. At the weekly briefing meeting, ministry sources answered the question regarding the arrival date of the F-16s requested from the USA to Turkey: “The approval process of our request in the US Congress started on January 26. When the offer and acceptance letters reach us, work on the calendar will begin and the cost of the projects will be clearly expressed. “Contrary to what is claimed on some Greek-based news sites, the issue of F-16 procurement and modernization is not subject to any conditions,” he replied.

Ministry sources said, “There is no change in the stance of both countries at the moment regarding the latest F-35 statements made by the USA. “The statements made by the USA should be considered as a declaration of good will at this stage,” he said. On the question of whether Turkey’s demand for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet continues, ministry sources said, “Our demand continues. A positive approach on this issue is expected from Germany, one of the consortium countries. He informed that “negotiations and studies are continuing.” It was also emphasized that Canada’s lifting of the embargo on defense industry products was a positive step and that the allies were expected to lift all restrictions on Turkey.

Following US Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, a similar F-35 statement regarding Turkey came from White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby. In the daily press briefing, Kirby responded to the question about “whether Turkey will return to the F-35 program after the sale of the F-16s” and that there is no change or current development on this issue at the moment. Kirby said, “Our talks on this issue are continuing, and if Turkey can address our concerns on this issue, then its participation in the F-35 program can be restored.” Acting US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, during her visit to Turkey, stated that they would be pleased to accept Turkey back into the F-35 program if the situation regarding the S-400 missile defense system purchased from Russia is resolved.