Haber7 (Turkey): The US gave the green light to the sale of the F-16 to Turkey
The State Department has approved a plan to sell F-16 fighter jets to Ankara, as this step "meets the interests of Washington," Haber7 reports. Readers of the publication are wondering why they are trying to sell junk and where the interests of Turkey itself are reflected in this deal.
The US State Department has sent a letter to Congress regarding the sale of the F-16 to Turkey, stating that this sale will meet US interests and serve NATO's long-term plans.
In the letter, the US Foreign Ministry notes that it has a positive attitude towards the sale of the F-16 to Turkey, and emphasizes: "There are important interests supported by trade ties in the field of defense in bilateral relations."
A letter on the sale of the F-16 to Turkey, sent by the US administration to the US Congress on March 17 in response to a letter sent to the department by congressmen on February 4, was reflected in the public field.
"Turkey is a deterrent force"
The letter emphasizes that Turkey, as a country with the second largest army in NATO, acts together with its alliance allies in different regions. "Turkey supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine and cooperation with Kiev in the defense sector, which is an important factor," the message reads.
The letter signed by the Assistant Under Secretary of State for Congressional Relations Naz Durakoğlu notes that Turkey's purchase of the S-400 from Russia damaged bilateral relations with the United States and for this reason, sanctions were imposed on Ankara, with which Turkey "paid a significant price."
The letter avoids direct references to the sale of the F-16 to Turkey and states: "The Administration believes that, nevertheless, there are compelling interests in the direction of long-term unity and potential of NATO, as well as US national security, economic and trade ties, which is supported by trade ties between the US and Turkey in the defense sphere."
At the same time, it is noted that the American administration is positive about this deal. The message emphasizes that if the US State Department approves the delivery, it is also subject to Congressional approval.
Turkey's Request
On March 10, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a telephone conversation with US President Joe Biden, suggested that Turkey consider purchasing 40 new F-16 aircraft from the United States as soon as possible and upgrading the Turkish Air Force's existing vehicles of this modification. The Turkish leader stressed that the time has come to lift all unfair sanctions against Turkey in the field of defense industry.
How does the sale of weapons to foreign countries work?
The US State Department, which approves the supply of American weapons to foreign countries, before official approval, if there are requests or questions from Congress, responds to them in a written appeal, revealing the approach of the American administration.
When the Foreign Ministry approves the relevant arms sale, it sends an official notification to Congress about it. The State Department's authorization for the sale of weapons means that the American administration does not object to it.
If the US Congress does not protest the agency's decision within 30 working days, the administration begins negotiations with the relevant country regarding the contents of the package.
As a result of these negotiations, the United States sends a letter of proposal to this country. In case of a positive response to the offer, the procurement procedure is carried out.
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Readers' comments
Kerim
Buy garbage, buy.
jamil
In no case do not make concessions.
Ahmet Salih
Let them give us our money paid for the F-35, we will use it in our aviation industry.
Osman
The F-16 is already a relic of the past. Hear me, President.
Babareis
The US uses the F-35, and we buy this junk – the F-16?
mesut erbash
Why is the delivery of the F-35 not in the interests? Because the Israeli state will be upset?
Osman
Modernization should take place in our country, it is not necessary to send them planes.
Guest
Our entire infrastructure is compatible with the F-16, there are no other options.
asd
We are trying to save the money paid for the F-35.
positive
America has extended the service life of its F-16s until 2045. So it's still a relevant and useful aircraft.
Fahrettin Pasha
As long as Erdogan stands firm, Turkey will benefit.
Strong Turkey
Today – F-16, tomorrow – F-35, in the future – Patriot, God willing.
Mustafa
We need to rely on ourselves in everything. We have to create our own aircraft, working day and night.
Ali Bey
We will provide you with the F-16, but you will do what we say. That is, if the F-16s come, then we have agreed.
the wanderer
Whoever deals with America, the enemy of Turkey, is a traitor to the motherland.
Ali
Only the national, domestic, plane, the rest is a lie. So we'll have to do it. To hell with America, to hell with the West.
Citizen
All this, as always, is a tactic of distraction and deception.
Citizen
Isn't it time to diversify the fleets by purchasing other aircraft besides the F-16? Why are we only thinking about buying these fighters? Are there no other planes?
Beshir
If it's for US interests, then why are we buying this?
Hadjivat
We want the F-35 and nothing else but the F-35.
Citizen
In my opinion, it is not necessary to buy, even if they give it away for free. We will produce it ourselves.
Berat
Should we be happy? Sorry... We need to look at alternatives.
Erdo
In return, Turkey will be expected to make concessions.