Biden administration approves F-16 upgrade to Turkey
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – In a deal valued at $259 million, US President Joe Biden’s administration notified Congress on Monday of the sale of defense articles and services to support modernization of Turkey’s fleet of F-16s.
After leaders of US congressional committees gave informal approval, Turkey had requested to buy equipment and services to support the current fleet of F-16 fighter jets, while Turkey’s request to buy of F-16s remains in limbo amid continuing opposition in Congress, Reuters reported.
In January, the Biden administration informally notified the Congress of its intention to sell 40 new F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, along with 80 upgrade kits to modernize the Turkish Air Force’s existing F-16 fleet.
“Turkey is a longstanding and valued NATO ally,” the State Department spokesperson said in a statement.
“The Biden Administration supports Turkey’s efforts to bring the avionics of its F-16 fleet up to standard,” the spokesperson added.
The requested Turkish upgrade will improve the interoperability between Turkish and NATO systems, spokesperson noted.
The F-16 upgrade deal follows Turkey approving Finland’s accession to the NATO military alliance and signs of easing tensions between Turkey and neighbor Greece ahead of Turkish elections next month, according to Reuters.
In February, 29 senators informed US President Joe Biden in a letter that the Congress will not support the F-16 sale if Turkey does not stop blocking Sweden and Finland’s entry into NATO.