It’s open to the Turkish facet to request modifications to the settlement with the US for the acquisition of latest F16 fighter jets and modernization kits for the prevailing fleet of the Turkish Air Drive, in line with CNN Turk.
State Division spokesman Matthew Miller introduced Thursday that Turkey has signed a letter of supply and acceptance to purchase F-16 fighter jets from the US. As he mentioned: “This sale is an funding in joint operations functionality with NATO and can assist the safety pursuits of the US, Turkey and the NATO alliance.”
There was no official response on the a part of the Turkish Ministry of Protection, solely sources of the ministry who have been requested about it yesterday answered that “the procurement strategy of the F-16 Block-70 and the modernization kits and different supplies, ammunition and tools will probably be bought in line with the wants of our Air Drive continues positively on the schedule we now have beforehand introduced.” Since Thursday, the US has been making statements in regards to the course of and Ankara is sending extra cautious messages.
A CNN Turk report cites “sources in Ankara” to substantiate that Turkey has signed the letters of acceptance and supply, “however the message is that ‘the method shouldn’t be but full for us’.”
The correspondent of the tv community in Ankara said that “the letters of acceptance and supply have been fashioned based mostly on the listing that was drawn up earlier and that after it comes into drive, this listing will be restricted. In different phrases, there could also be modifications within the listing of the bundle to be signed within the subsequent few days. This can be a plan that extends to 2040 and on this respect, it’s said that wants will change over time.”
The identical Turkish sources are quoted as saying that Turkey is continuous work aimed toward producing its personal indigenous KAAN fighter jet by 2028, whereas additionally expressing curiosity in shopping for European fifth-generation Eurofighter fighters. In addition to, as famous in CNN Turk’s report, Turkey now produces the additionally domestically manufactured Hurjet gentle fighter.
“Because of this, Turkey can change the listing within the signed bundle and might make reductions. At the moment, the signed bundle contains the acquisition of 70 modernization kits, ammunition and 40 F-16s, however as I mentioned, the listing can change,” the CNN Turk correspondent factors out.
From 2028
One other subject Ankara is elevating in Washington is the place the F-16 manufacturing will happen, with Turkey looking for the participation of the Turkish TAI, nevertheless there are restrictions because of intensive work on KAAN within the Turkish aviation trade.
“These are nonetheless among the many points being mentioned, however the course of is anticipated to be accomplished by the top of the month and Turkey is anticipated to begin the market by depositing the primary tranche. It’s estimated that the primary F-16s may arrive as early as 2028. It seems that the Ministry of Protection will make an announcement and share particulars within the coming days, CNN Turk’s report concludes.
In a put up on Thursday in X, the American ambassador in Ankara, Jeffrey Flake, introduced {that a} main step ahead has been made for the sale of latest F-16s to Turkey, with none announcement from the Turkish facet.
“An essential step ahead was made at present in Turkey’s acquisition of the newest era of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets and the modernization of the prevailing F-16 fleet. That is good for US nationwide safety, Turkish nationwide safety and NATO interoperability,” the US ambassador mentioned in his put up.
On the identical time, the State Division’s Workplace of Political-Navy Affairs made the next announcement: “The USA is proud to announce at present a significant step ahead in Turkey’s buy of latest F-16 Block 70 fighter jets – probably the most superior F-16s ever ever made, accessible solely to the closest allies and companions. That is simply the newest instance of the U.S.’s continued dedication to a safety partnership with Turkey.”
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