Türkiye is one step closer to procurement of new F-16 fighter jets from the U.S., the U.S. ambassador to Ankara said Thursday.
Ambassador Jeffrey Flake made the related statements through his social media accounts and cited another statement from the Bureau of the Political-Military Affairs of the State Department.
“Today marks an important step forward in Türkiye’s purchase of the latest-generation F-16 Block 70 fighter jets and upgrades to its existing fleet of F-16s,” Flake said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“This is good for U.S. national security, Turkish national security and NATO interoperability,” the ambassador added while thanking the "hard work" of Turkish defense and foreign affairs ministries.
In a separate post, the Bureau of the Political-Military Affairs, said, “U.S. proud to announce today a major step forward in Türkiye’s purchase of new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets – the most advanced F-16 ever made, available only to closest Allies and partners. Just the latest example of the U.S. enduring commitment to a security partnership with Türkiye.”
U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has earlier this year approved the long-awaited sale of F-16 fighter jets to Türkiye.
The Block 70s series of aircraft are considered the most advanced fourth-generation fighter aircraft, equipped with the latest technology.
The $20 billion-sale includes 40 new F-16 Block 70 aircraft and 79 modernization kits to upgrade Türkiye’s remaining F-16s.
