US amendment blocks F-16 sales to Turkey if jets to be used against SDF
WASHINGTON, US (North Press) – US Senator Chris Van Hollen submitted on Friday to the defense budget of the Senate an amendment that creates new conditions for Turkey to purchase or modernize its F-16 fighter jets.
The amendment filled by Hollen asks the US president to certify to the relevant congressional committees that the F-16s will not be used against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) or for overflights over the Greek islands.
The F-16’s deal also cannot take place if Turkey did not ratify Sweden and Finland’s bids to join NATO, the amendment read.
The amendment is similar to a previous one filled by Senator Robert Menendez that was approved by the House in early July.
Turkey submitted a request in October 2021 to the US to buy 40 F-16 fighter jets and nearly 80 modernization kits for its existing aircrafts.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on September 9, “The US is not the only one selling warplanes in the world. The UK, France and Russia sell them as well.”