Türkiye to mull acquisition of F-16 at NATO summit

Representatives of the Turkish leadership will discuss Ankara's purchase of F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits for them in Washington as part of the NATO summit events, representatives of the Turkish Ministry of Defense told journalists in Ankara, Report informs referring to TASS.

“As you know, the relevant contracts have been signed, work on details and nuances continues. Negotiations are ongoing between delegations. In this process there are a large number of factors, issues related to technical aspects. These topics will be discussed within the summit,” A Haber TV quoted a representative of the Ministry of Defense as saying. It is noted that Minister Yasar Guler intends to hold several meetings in Washington on the sidelines of the NATO summit.

In early June, the Turkish authorities signed and sent a letter of acceptance (LOA) to the American side regarding the purchase of new F-16 Block-70/72 fighters and modernization kits for similar ones it already has to the most modern standard for $23 billion.

In total, Türkiye plans to purchase 40 F-16 block-70/72 fighters in single-seat (F-16C) and double-seat (F-16D) versions, as well as 79 sets of equipment necessary to modernize and extend the service life of Turkish aircraft F-16C/D "block-40/50+". This also includes spare parts, necessary service equipment, training and technical support programs and a full complement of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons.