Turkish MoD confirms that negotiations with US on F-35 continue

In the coming months, Türkiye and the US will enter rounds of detailed negotiations on the F-35, with the administrative, financial and legal preparations for the purchase already completed.

According to the Turkish Yeniakit, this was stated by Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar while presenting his ministry’s budget for 2023 to the parliament.

Noting the development of the domestic defence industry, Akar also spoke about procurement and modernization projects targeted to meet short- and medium-term urgent needs.

"Regarding this issue, efforts are underway to supply 40 units of F-16 Viper aircrafts and upgrade 79 units of F-16 Block 50 aircrafts. Our request was sent to the United States in September 2021. The importance of the project, the acceleration of the process in Congress and our other demands have been brought to the attention of US officials at three meetings by us in Türkiye and one in the US. In the case on the F-35 to terminate our software partnership with the US, the financial and legal preparations have been completed, and detailed negotiations with the US are expected in the coming months", Minister Akar stated.