News of War Staff Writer
Strategic Alliances, Financial Impacts: U.S. Green-lights $23 Billion F-16 Sale to Turkey Amidst NATO Dynamics
WASHINGTON - The Biden administration in the United States has officially notified Congress of its plans to proceed with a significant $23 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. This move is an important step in finalising a transaction that has been pending for a while, putting a strain on relations with Ankara.
The State Department's notification is focused on the sale of 40 F-16s manufactured by Lockheed Martin, along with nearly 80 kits for modernising these jets. This development occurred a day after Turkey ratified Sweden's NATO membership, a pivotal factor directly influencing the jet sale.
Simultaneously, the U.S. is also progressing with the sale of 20 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Greece, another NATO ally. This $8.6 billion deal by Washington is an attempt to maintain equilibrium between two members of the alliance who share a historically strained relationship.
Turkey's request for the jets dates back to October 2021. However, Ankara's hesitation in endorsing Sweden's NATO membership was a significant hurdle in obtaining congressional approval for the sale.
After a 20-month delay, the Turkish parliament ratified Sweden's NATO membership earlier this week. In response, President Biden urged key congressional committees to expedite approval of the F-16 sale.
The State Department's announcement came shortly after Turkish President Erdogan finalised Sweden's ratification and the official NATO accession documents reached Washington.
Senator Ben Cardin, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed conditional support for Turkey's F-16 purchase. "Approval depended on Turkey's endorsement of Sweden's NATO bid. However, it was not a decision made lightly," he stated.
Cardin emphasised Turkey's need to improve its human rights record, hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine, and contribute to reducing tensions in the Middle East.
Cardin also acknowledged ongoing discussions between the Biden administration and Turkish officials to address these concerns.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which review major foreign arms sales, often raise questions or concerns about human rights or diplomatic issues, potentially delaying or halting such deals.
Following the State Department's formal notification, Congress has a 15-day period to object to the sale, after which it will be deemed final. U.S. officials anticipate that Congress will not block either sale, despite some criticisms of Turkey.