US revises stance on sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye after KAAN progress
Date
11/27/2024 3:30:57 AM
(MENAFN) The United States has revised its stance on the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, following the country's significant advancements in developing its own domestically produced fighter jet, the KAAN, Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler revealed on Tuesday. Speaking at the Turkish Parliament's Planning and Budget Commission, Guler stated that the US reconsidered its previous position after witnessing the successful development and flight of the KAAN fighter jet. He emphasized that the US, initially resistant to supplying Türkiye with F-35s, now expresses a willingness to provide the aircraft. However, Guler noted that no substantial progress had been made in securing a deal, and Ankara continues to press for its production share of the F-35 program.
Despite the US's shift in stance, Türkiye remains firm in its request for the F-35s and insists on reclaiming its share of the production process. Guler highlighted that Türkiye's insistence on its right to produce and integrate F-35 components into its own military capabilities remains a key issue. As Türkiye works towards bolstering its defense capabilities, the focus is also on modernizing its Air Force, especially as the light combat aircraft HURJET and KAAN are still under development.
In the same statement, Guler revealed that Türkiye has made a USD1.4 billion payment for the acquisition of 40 US-made F-16 Block 70 Viper jets, signaling continued cooperation with the US in defense matters. Furthermore, Türkiye plans to modernize its existing fleet of 79 older F-16s at Turkish Aerospace Industries facilities. Regarding the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon jets, Guler confirmed that Germany has granted the necessary permissions, and discussions for the procurement are ongoing.
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