LOC10:27
07:27 GMT
WASHINGTON, Jan 27 (KUNA) -- The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale to Turkiye of F-16 aircraft acquisition and modernization and related equipment for an estimated cost of USD 23.0 billion.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a press statement that it had delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Friday evening.
The Republic of Turkiye has requested to buy 40 new F-16 aircraft and to modernize 79 existing F-16 aircraft to V-Configuration, it said.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States by improving the air capabilities and interoperability of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe, it added.
The proposed sale will allow Turkiye to expand and modernize its fleet of F-16 aircraft as older F-16 aircraft approach the end of their service life, the agency noted.
These new and refurbished aircraft will provide Turkiye with a fleet of modernized multi-role combat aircraft to enable it to provide for the defense of its airspace, contribute to NATO missions to preserve regional security and defend NATO Allies, and maintain interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.
Turkiye has F-16 aircraft in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft and services into its armed forces, it added.
The U.S. move came only a few days after the Turkish parliament had ratified Sweden's NATO membership bid. (end)
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