A U.S. official, speaking anonymously to discuss correspondence with Congress, told Defense News the letter to lawmakers welcomed
“The Turkish parliament’s ratification of Sweden’s NATO accession protocols and informing them his administration intends to formally notify Congress of the sale of F-16s to Turkey as soon as this process is complete.”
The deal, valued at as much as $23 billion, allows Turkey to purchase as many as 40 Lockheed Martin Corp. F-16 Block 70 aircraft and 79 kits to modernize its existing fleet.
“My approval of Turkey’s request to purchase F-16 aircraft has been contingent on Turkish approval of Sweden’s NATO membership,” said Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
He added, “But make no mistake: This was not a decision I came to lightly.”
This move was part of a broader strategy to strengthen NATO and address heightened anxieties among Russia’s neighbors following President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Sweden’s bid to join NATO had been stalled due to Erdogan’s insistence that Stockholm do more to crack down on supporters of separatist groups outlawed in Turkey. Yet, with the F-16 deal on the line, Erdogan linked the issues and gave his approval for Sweden’s NATO membership.
In a separate announcement, the State Department revealed that Greece, a long-time regional rival of Turkey, would be allowed to buy as many as 40 F-35 fighters in a deal valued at up to $8.6 billion.
This move is expected to modernize Greece’s air force and improve its ability to defend its airspace, contribute to NATO missions, and defend NATO Allies.
Despite the historical acrimony between Greece and Turkey, both nations recently signed an agreement to foster “friendly relations.” This agreement, coupled with the new arms deal, could mark a turning point in their relationship.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin praised the Turkish parliament’s action, describing it as “overdue.” However, he expressed continuing misgivings about the Erdogan government’s human rights record.
The last hold-out on NATO’s expansion was Hungary, whose Prime Minister Viktor Orban had also opposed Sweden’s entry into NATO. However, following a conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Orban stated that Hungary would ratify the accession and urged parliament to do so “at the first possible opportunity.”
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, a part of the Defense Department that assists allies on military-related matters, delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the possible sale on Friday night. This move marks the final step in a complex diplomatic dance involving multiple nations and strategic interests. The repercussions of these decisions will likely be felt for years to come.
The US’s approval of the F-16 sale to Turkey and F-35 fighters to Greece, linked to Sweden’s NATO membership, marks a significant shift in regional dynamics. These decisions, part of a complex diplomatic dance, will shape the future of regional security and cooperation. The long-term impact of these moves on the global stage remains to be seen.
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