ASIM, aug 21
Turkey is reducing its USD 23 billion procurement of Lockheed Martin’s F-16 fighter jets due to budget constraints and is shifting focus toward investing in its domestic aviation industry. Despite scaling back the purchase, Turkey is seeking an offset deal to manufacture some F-16 parts locally. This decision follows Turkey’s longstanding efforts since 2021 to acquire 40 F-16s, a purchase that was approved in January 2023.
Turkey’s relations with the US and American defense suppliers have been strained, particularly after Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 system and subsequent expulsion from the F-35 program. This decision is unlikely to significantly alter the already tense relationship. Additionally, Turkey is interested in acquiring Eurofighter Typhoon jets but faces challenges due to its strict offset requirements, which may complicate negotiations with the Eurofighter consortium.
