Turkish Air Force recently received its first indigenously upgraded F-16 fighter jet. According to Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) chairman Ismail Demir, the jet has been updated as part of Project Ozgur.

In line with the fundamental principles of Türkiye, he highlighted the importance of eliminating foreign dependence in the defense sector. although the F-16 was purchased, the “ozgür” project aims to improve its capabilities and make it genuinely Turkish.

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The Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)-led F-16 “Ozgür” upgrade programme is aimed at equipping the Turkish Air Force’s inventory of F-16 fighter jets with domestic mission computers and software.

As part of the project, 35 F-16 Block aircraft will receive a special mission computer with national avionics and national OFP software. A new mission computer with national avionics and national OFP software will be installed in 35 F-16 Block aircraft as part of the project.

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The following parts will be upgraded as part of the modernization process for the F-16 Block : a national mission computer, system interface units, cockpit upper front control panels, fuel hydraulic indicators, engine display screens, emergency indicators, national sound safety devices, national friend-foe identification (IFF) systems, multi-mode receivers, inertial navigation systems, interface blinding units, and helmet integrated aiming system.

The aircraft will also be refitted with a locally designed active electronically scanned array radar, as well as numerous indigenously developed missiles such as the Gokdogan and Bozdogan air-to-air missiles, cruise missiles, and Atmaca anti-ship missiles. The improvements will enhance the aircraft’s flight time from 8,000 to 12,000 hours.

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