Turkey intends to replenish and upgrade its fleet of F-16 fighter jets. On October 8, the Reuters news agency reported that Turkey had asked the United States for 40 new fighters.
In addition, the request contains 80 service packs for existing F-16 fighters. The potential deal is estimated at billions of dollars, but must receive approval from the State Department and the US Congress.
Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter
Image source: hurriyetdailynews.com
Turkey intended to purchase more than a hundred F-35 fighters, and also produces a number of elements for these aircraft. In 2019, the country was excluded from the Joint Strike Fighter program due to the purchase of Russian S-400 tRiumph air defense systems. Now Turkey will have to convince its NATO ally to sell fourth-generation fighter jets, but Reuters points out that it will not be easy to do this because of the deteriorating relations between the countries.
Turkey intends to build its own 5th generation fighter. TF-X currently exists only in the form of a layout, so its technical characteristics are not yet known. Perhaps the replenishment and renewal of the F-16 fleet will allow Turkey to maintain fighter aircraft in sufficient combat readiness until a promising fighter is ready.
