US Revises its Stance on Selling F-35 Fighter Jets to Türkiye

Guler also highlighted Ankara’s efforts to modernize the Air Force until the light combat aircraft HURJET and KAAN are operational.

Photo: Lockheed Martin

Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler revealed on Tuesday that the United States revised its stance on selling F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye after observing the country's progress with its domestically developed KAAN fighter jet.

“When the Americans saw that we could build and fly the KAAN, they changed their minds a bit about the F-35,” Guler said, addressing the Turkish Parliament's Planning and Budget Commission, The Caspian Post reports, citing Turkish media.

“Now, they are expressing willingness to provide F-35s. However, no progress has been made. We insist on reclaiming our production share and maintain our request to acquire F-35s,” he added.

Guler also highlighted Ankara’s efforts to modernize the Air Force until the light combat aircraft HURJET and KAAN are operational.

He announced a $1.4 billion payment for 40 US F-16 Block 70 Viper jets, adding Türkiye will modernize its 79 older F-16s in Turkish Aerospace Industries facilities.

On Eurofighter Typhoon jets, Guler noted that Germany has issued the necessary permissions and procurement discussions continue.