Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar detailed the difficulties that the Turkish Air Force is facing after revealing that the lifespan of their F-16's is at completion.
"The life of the F-16s is complete," he said, adding: "We were prevented from purchasing F-35s."
The Turkish Air Force not only faces manpower shortages after the purge that followed the failed 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, but they cannot acquire the US-made 5th Generation F-35 fighter jets.
Turkey was booted from the F-35 program for purchasing the Russian-made S-400 missile defence system.
"We stated our need within the framework of foreign military sales," Akar continued.
"We conveyed our request for 40 F-16s. It was expressed in the meeting between delegations.
"The US Department of Defense stated that our needs could be met, but congressional approval was required.
"We are waiting for the results of these."
Turkey is unlikely to receive congressional approval as there is a huge back lash in the US Congress for Ankara's insistence on not only operating the S-400, but to purchase another unit from Russia.
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