Turkey expects from the United States a constructive approach to the issue of returning to Ankara the funds invested in the F-35 fighter project, as well as the transfer of five aircraft intended for the Turkish Air Force. According to TASS with reference to the Anadolu agency, this was stated by the head of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic, Hulusi Akar.
“Certain contacts and discussions with the United States on the F-35 are ongoing. Technical and financial issues are discussed. Returning us to the program is a separate issue. We are discussing the topic of the money we invested in the project, and this is a large amount – about $1.4 billion. In addition, five of these aircraft transferred to us are located in America. We are also talking about their future,” the minister said. He noted that he expects from the US authorities a constructive and positive approach to resolving these issues.
Speaking about the fact of Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 fighter program, Akar noted that this decision is “immoral, illegal and cannot be argued”, especially from the point of view of the spirit of alliance within NATO.
Touching upon the prospects for the implementation of the deal with the United States to obtain new F-16 fighters and modernize Turkey’s aircraft of this type, the minister reiterated that, in general, the process is moving in a positive direction. “Negotiations between ministries have reached a positive point, the issue has been referred to the US Congress. However, some senators and journalists opposed this deal. But we are waiting for a reasonable and clear decision from the US authorities. We are waiting calmly, because, I emphasize, we have other options, ”the minister said. He added that Ankara has always fully and clearly fulfilled its obligations within NATO and expects the same from the alliance and allies regarding its interests and needs.
Turkey is seeking to obtain 40 F-16 fighters in the Block 70 modification and 80 Block 70 kits to modernize the aircraft in service with its Air Force. Ankara announced its desire to acquire the F-16 after it was excluded from the American program for the production of fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bombers in connection with the purchase of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems.
Source: Rosbalt
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