Turkey has scaled back its $23 billion acquisition plan for F-16 fighter jets from the United States, eliminating the purchase of 79 modernization kits for its existing fleet. Defense Minister Yasar Guler announced this decision during a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday.
Earlier this year, Turkey secured a deal to acquire 40 F-16 fighter jets and the modernization kits after a prolonged negotiation process. Guler confirmed that an initial payment of $1.4 billion has been made for the new F-16 Block-70 aircraft. “We will buy 40 F-16 Block-70 Viper jets, but we have opted out of the 79 modernization kits,” he explained. The reason for this change is Turkey’s confidence in its own Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), which has the capability to handle the modernization internally.
The total cost for the new Lockheed Martin F-16 jets and associated ammunition is estimated at around $7 billion. Turkey placed its order in October 2021, following its removal from the F-35 fighter jet program due to the acquisition of a Russian missile defense system.
In addition to the F-16s, Turkey is keen on rejoining the F-35 program and acquiring 40 new F-35 jets. With over 200 older Block 30, 40, and 50 models, Turkey is one of the largest operators of F-16s globally. The country is also exploring the purchase of Eurofighter Typhoon jets and is actively developing its own combat aircraft, known as KAAN.
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