Turkey Scraps F-16 Upgrade Deal, Chooses Domestic Tech

In a significant shift in its defense procurement strategy, Türkiye has scaled down its $23 billion F-16 fighter jet package from the United States.

The revised deal, announced on Tuesday, excludes the purchase of 79 modernization kits for its existing fleet of F-16s. Instead, Türkiye will rely on its domestic aerospace industry to upgrade its aircraft, showcasing the growing capabilities of Turkish defense manufacturers.

According to Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, Türkiye has already made an initial payment of $1.4 billion for the procurement of 40 new F-16 Block 70 Viper jets from Lockheed Martin.

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“We opted out of buying the 79 modernization kits because our Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) are capable of conducting these upgrades independently,” Güler stated. The decision highlights Türkiye’s commitment to enhancing its indigenous defense capabilities while still acquiring new aircraft from the U.S.

The new agreement, which includes the 40 F-16 Block 70 jets and associated ammunition, is expected to cost approximately $7 billion.

The Block 70 variant, also known as the “Viper,” features advanced technologies such as the Northrop Grumman APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar, a modernized cockpit, improved networking capabilities, a new mission computer, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and an upgraded communications suite.

However, it remains unclear which of these upgrades Turkish Aerospace Industries will undertake independently for the existing fleet. Türkiye’s original order for the F-16 jets was placed in October 2021, two years after it was removed from the fifth-generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

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The exclusion followed Türkiye’s acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system, which led to U.S. sanctions and the termination of Türkiye’s participation in the multinational F-35 project.

Despite the setback, Türkiye remains determined to rejoin the F-35 program and acquire 40 new F-35 jets.

“We insist on reclaiming our production share and maintain our request to acquire F-35s,” Güler emphasized, adding that while there are indications of willingness from the U.S. to discuss the matter, no concrete progress has been made.

Meanwhile, Türkiye continues to advance its domestic fighter jet program. The country’s fifth-generation fighter, the Kaan, completed its maiden flight in February 2024, and mass production is expected to begin by 2028.

This ambitious project underscores Türkiye’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign military technology and bolster its domestic defense industry.