The US has greenlit the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, after Turkey’s recent ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership, marking a pivotal step in the alliance’s expansion following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The US State Department informed Congress late on January 26 of its endorsement for a $23 billion F-16 sale to Turkey, concurrently approving a $8.6 billion sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Greece.
This decision closely followed Turkey’s submission of the “instrument of ratification” for Sweden’s NATO accession, a move that came after key members of Congress withdrew their objections.
US to provide Turkiye 40 new F-16 fighters and modernize 79 aircraft
The deal includes the sale of 40 new F-16s and equipment to Turkey includes to modernize 79 of its existing F-16 fleet. The sale to Greece includes 40 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters and related equipment.
Turkey, which has long sought to upgrade its F-16 fleet, has linked its approval of Sweden’s NATO membership contingent on the approval of the sale of the new planes.
While President Joe Biden’s administration has approved the sale, several US lawmakers have objected to the move due to Turkey’s human rights record.
“My approval of Turkey’s request to purchase F-16 aircraft has been contingent on Turkish approval of Sweden’s NATO membership. But make no mistake: This was not a decision I came to lightly,” said Democratic Senator Ben Cardin.
Congress can object to the sale within 15 days, after which it would be considered final.
Greece gets F-35s
The State Department also approved a $8.6 billion deal to sell up to 40 F-35 fighter jets and respective equipment to Greece.
As part of the deal, the Greek state will also get significant military aid, at no extra cost, said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a video statement. The military aid includes frigates, C-130 transport aircraft, armored tanks, and vehicles.
“This is the result of a methodical, quiet, and long effort, which combined Greece’s consistency as an ally on the international fronts with the promotion of its national interests. A result which consolidates, at the same time, the dynamic and independent Greek-American strategic relationship,” Mitsotakis said.
Greece had requested the US officially to purchase 20 Lockheed Martin-made F-35 fighter jets in 2022.
US believes estimates the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Greece will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States by improving the air capabilities and interoperability of a NATO Ally that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe,” the US State Department said in its announcement.