Turkey considers ditching F-16 Block 70 request in favour of non-US alternative
Possible alternative choices to the F-16 Block 70 could be the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, the Russian Su-35 or the Chinese J-10. (Photo: USAF)
Turkish officials are signalling dissatisfaction and contemplating abandoning plans to purchase F-16 Block 70s from the US as the deal stalemates, and the country faces hard economic decisions.
Click here for Shephard's in-depth background file on the F-16.
Turkish presidential security and foreign policy adviser Cagri Erhan recently said that the request sent to the US to acquire F-16 Block 70s was a mistake as the deal remains in deadlock and his country continues to battle with the aftermath of the recent earthquakes.
Many Turkish officials share this sentiment and have expressed it explicitly as US lawmakers continue to block the potential $20 billion sale of F-16 fighters.
Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in February that ‘the F-16 is not the only option', adding that ‘we expect common sense to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces]()
Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
-
![Australia approved for $1 billion order of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles]()
Australia approved for $1 billion order of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles
The greenlight by the US State Department for up to 400 missiles reinforces the need for increased solid rocket motor (SRM) production and highlights the reason Australia wants to develop a local missile capability.
-
![L3Harris moves forward with aerial, CUAS and software solutions]()
L3Harris moves forward with aerial, CUAS and software solutions
L3Harris Technologies is investing in new systems and software for maritime operations and modernising the US Navy’s fleet of MPAs
