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Türkiye is upgrading its fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcon multi-role fighter jets in a possible US$259 million foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
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Primary contractor Lockheed Martin will provide classified and unclassified software, defence articles, and support to the government of Türkiye, as part of the deal which the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified to US Congress on 17 April.
Software upgrades will include Operational Flight Program avionics with the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System capability, hardware modifications to enable integration of the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Block Upgrade II, documentation, support, spare and repair parts.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve Türkiye’s interoperability with NATO and ensure safety of flight for Türkiye’s existing F-16 aircraft,” the DSCA statement said.
“The proposed sale will improve Türkiye’s capability to meet current and future threats and assist in defending its homeland and US personnel stationed there.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
Türkiye is also awaiting the result of a proposed $20 billion deal to buy around 79 modernisation kits and 40 F-16 multi-role fighters from the US. US Congress has previously opposed the sale of F-16 fighter jets to the country unless it ratifies the memberships of Sweden and Finland to NATO.
