US: "Turkey F-16 Modernization Contributes to NATO Security... Contract Procedures Underway"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The U.S. Department of Defense has expressed support for the sale of F-16 fighter jet modernization equipment to T?rkiye (Turkey) and stated that the contract process is currently underway. The claim that there was a behind-the-scenes agreement with the U.S. on F-16 modernization, which led T?rkiye to abruptly withdraw its opposition to Sweden and Finland joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is gaining more traction. However, controversy is expected to grow over Turkey’s actions, which seek national interests by leveraging its neutral position between the U.S. and Russia.

On the 29th (local time), Celeste Wallander, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, said during a conference call briefing, "The U.S. Department of Defense fully supports T?rkiye’s F-16 modernization plan," adding, "The plan is in progress and the contract process must be completed, but we support T?rkiye’s fighter jet modernization because it contributes to NATO and U.S. security."

Accordingly, the possibility that the approval for the sale of F-16 modernization equipment to T?rkiye, previously raised by NATO and senior U.S. officials, will become a reality has increased. Ahead of the NATO summit, major foreign media reported that instead of opposing Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership, T?rkiye shifted to approve their accession in exchange for a behind-the-scenes agreement to receive U.S. approval for the sale of F-16 modernization equipment.

Originally, T?rkiye, which participated in the joint development project of the F-35 fighter jet, was scheduled to purchase F-35s from the U.S. However, after introducing the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile system in 2019 despite U.S. opposition, it was placed on the sales ban list. Subsequently, T?rkiye requested the purchase of 40 F-16 fighter jets and 80 modernization equipment units for existing fighter jets from the U.S. starting in September last year, but the U.S. had not provided a specific response.

The summit meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an at this NATO summit was reportedly conducted in a friendly atmosphere. In his opening remarks, President Biden mentioned the issue of Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership, saying "Thank you," while President Erdo?an said, "I am pleased to be here together after a long time," emphasizing, "The U.S. is important in terms of strengthening NATO, and strengthening NATO will make a positive contribution to the Ukraine and Russia issues."