Türkiye reassesses F-16 modernization strategy Pursues local defence industry growth

Türkiye is adjusting its ambitious $23 billion defence deal with the US, originally aimed at modernizing its fleet of F-16 fighter jets and acquiring new munitions.

Türkiye is revising its planned $23 billion defence deal with the US for modernizing NATO's second-largest fleet of F-16 fighter jets, aiming to reduce costs by purchasing fewer upgrade kits and munitions. Since 2021, Türkiye has sought to acquire 40 of Lockheed Martin's latest F-16s, 79 kits for upgrading its current fleet, and various bombs and missiles. The US approved the sale earlier this year following Türkiye's ratification of Sweden's NATO membership, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

However, Türkiye now intends to reduce the number of upgrade kits and munitions it buys to cut costs amidst domestic spending reductions. The country also plans to have its growing military aviation industry produce some components locally. Türkiye’s defence and foreign ministries have declined to comment on the adjustments. A Lockheed Martin representative expressed confidence that the F-16 Block 70 and V upgrade package offers advanced security features, improved NATO compatibility, and cost-effective operation and maintenance for Türkiye. The upgraded 4th generation F-16 jets are expected to enhance Türkiye’s air force capabilities, with deliveries projected around 2030, incorporating advancements in radar, electronic warfare, communications, and mission computing.

“Türkiye’s decision to purchase F-16s was driven by a political objective to rejuvenate relations with the US,” noted Nihat Ali Ozcan, a strategist at the Economic Policy Research Foundation in Ankara. “With Washington's approval secured, Türkiye is now reevaluating its requirements from technical, military, and economic standpoints.”

The agreement will allow Türkiye to retire its outdated F-4 jets and upgrade its current F-16 fleet as a temporary solution until it can develop its own fighter aircraft. The US had blocked Türkiye from acquiring Lockheed Martin’s advanced F-35 fighters following its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile-defense system. Türkiye, an original F-35 partner, had planned to buy around 100 of the stealth jets, making it a significant foreign customer.

Türkiye is now seeking to have US sanctions on its defense sector lifted, while still maintaining its S-400 systems. Despite this, Türkiye has shown willingness to negotiate with Washington. NATO allies have expressed concerns that the S-400 could endanger the F-35 jets. In response, the US suspended 10 Turkish companies, which were set to supply approximately $12 billion worth of F-35 parts, including the center fuselage from Turkish Aerospace Industries, as noted in a 2018 Bloomberg Government analysis.