Facing budgetary pressures and seeking greater self-reliance in defense, Turkey is reducing the scope of its $23 billion fighter jet deal with the US. The original agreement aimed to modernize Turkey's F-16 fleet, the second largest in NATO, with 40 new Lockheed Martin F-16s, 79 modernization kits for existing aircraft, and a significant arsenal of bombs and missiles.
Instead, Ankara will now pursue a scaled-down version of the deal, with the exact details still under negotiation. A key element of the revised plan is an offset agreement that would see some F-16 components manufactured locally in Turkey. This shift reflects Turkey's desire to bolster its domestic defense industry and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
The original deal was approved by the US earlier this year after Turkey agreed to support Sweden's accession to NATO, ending a prolonged diplomatic impasse. Despite the downsizing, the deal remains significant for both countries, highlighting their continued strategic partnership within the NATO alliance.