Critical breakthrough for Turkish F-16s from ASELSAN

19 October 2022 11:30

The ÖZGÜR (independent) project, initiated by the Turkish Defence Industries in 2012, is being implemented by TAI and ASELSAN companies.

Within the framework of the ÖZGÜR project, the most important components of the F-16 Block 30 aircraft, the on-board computer and flight software will be replaced with domestic ones, Turkish news service Yeniakit reports.

The project will help modernize the cockpit and integrate national ammunition without depending on foreign sources.

The first F-16 Block 30 aircraft, which has undergone an avionics upgrade, is scheduled to be handed over to the Air Force Command this year as part of the ÖZGÜR project, which is currently in the serial production stage.

As part of the modernization of the F-16 Block 30 combat aircraft, they will be equipped with the following domestic components: National Mission Computer, System Interface Unit, Upper Front Cockpit Control Panel, Fuel Hydraulic Indicator, Engine Display Screen, Emergency Indicator, National Sound Safety Device, National Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, Multi-mode receiver, Inertial navigation system, Central cockpit indicator and Color multifunction display.

On the other hand, a similar ÖZGÜR project is expected for the F-16 Block 40 and Block 50 combat aircraft. In addition, for the F-16 aircraft upgraded to the ÖZGÜR configuration; integration of AESA RADAR, FEWS (Fighter Electronic Warfare System), GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air missile, etc. is planned.

Turkish Air Force possesses about 230 units of F-16 fighters in F-16 Block 30, Block 40, Block 50 and Block 50+ configurations. Türkiye currently wants to acquire 40 units of F-16 Block 70 fighters and 79 units of F-16 Block 70 upgrade kits from the US as part of "urgent operations”.

If the request is granted, 79 of the 230 current combat aircraft will be upgraded to the F-16 Block 70.

It is estimated that the aircraft configured to ÖZGÜR is the equivalent of the F-16 Block 70. The comparison of F-16 Block 30, ÖZGÜR and F-16 Block 70 are as follows: