Sources speaking to Reuters shared the details of the US decision on Turkey: Biden will give his approval
While military arms deals between the US and Turkey have not materialized for many years, a remarkable development took place yesterday… The US State Department stepped forward with the sale of the Link-16 Connect and Tactical Network Modernization Kits, F-16 Fighter Aircraft System, and forwarded the official request to Congress.
In a written statement from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the statement was used: “The Department of State has decided to approve the sale of defense equipment and services and related equipment to Turkey for modernization of the existing fleet of F-16 aircraft with an estimated value of $259 million.”
“MAIN AGREEMENT STILL PENDING”
Sources who spoke to the British news agency Reuters about this modernization package that will be used on Turkey’s existing F-16s said: “The Biden administration is ready to move to the next stage for the sale of F-16 modernization kits. 16 after leaders in the US Congressional committees unofficially approve. A larger deal involving the multi-billion dollar purchase of F-16s by NATO member Turkey is still pending and opposition continues in Congress.
It was also noted that if the modernization kit was given official approval by Congress, this sale was approved by Congress after many years and was made to Turkey. A US State Department spokesman said: “The United States and Turkey have deep defense and security ties, and Turkey’s joint work in NATO is a critical priority.”
Turkey is said to pay $259 million under the deal made for the modernization kit.
ATTENTION TO TIME
The British news agency also noted that the deal came after Turkey approved Finland’s NATO membership and eased tensions with Greece.
But this sales move is separate from the $20 billion deal that Turkey requested in October 2021. At the time, Turkey requested an F-16 made by Lockheed Martin and requested 80 retrofit kits. “This small package has been approved to show Ankara that it is a positive sign,” a source told Reuters. On the other hand, the sources said that “this move does not mean that Congress has given the green light to the larger sale.”
USA HAS OTHER DEMANDS
The sources also claimed that in addition to the US approval of Sweden’s NATO membership, there are demands for a complete improvement of relations with Greece, military non-intervention in northern Syria and the implementation of sanctions. against Russia. While the Reuters news agency also stated that these demands would anger Ankara, it also included the comment that “Turkey believes that the endless demands of the United States and Washington’s attitude are not fair.”
Source: Sozcu
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
