WASHINGTON, 28 JAN – The United States government has finally approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey.
The decision was made after Ankara approved Sweden’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The decision was stated in a notice issued by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
“The State Department has decided to approve the potential sale of F-16s to Turkey with a total value of $23 billion,” the notice said.
The notice states that Turkey is allowed to purchase 40 F-16 Block 70s and 79 aircraft modernization kits.
Turkey had expressed its desire to purchase F-16 fighter jets since 2021. However, the acquisition was delayed due to differences between Washington and Ankara on several issues, including Sweden’s participation in NATO.
Last Friday, Turkish President Erdogan approved the participation of the Scandinavian country.
Turkiye is the second-largest military power in NATO.
#AirTimes #Malaysia #Pertahanan