The U.S. State Department has confirmed the approval of a $23 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets and related equipment to Turkey. This decision comes after Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed documents allowing Sweden’s entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The sale was initially met with some reluctance from Congress, but after reviewing the signed documents, four senior lawmakers signaled their approval.
This significant development comes after a period of intense diplomacy by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, who met with President Erdogan to address Turkey’s previous objections to Sweden’s NATO membership. The delay in Turkey’s approval has also impacted the sale of F-35 jets to Greece, resulting in a linked diplomatic discussion.
The sale of the F-16s is tied to the broader context of NATO membership following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Finland quickly joined the alliance, but Sweden’s application faced delays. The approval from Turkey’s Parliament, followed by President Erdogan’s signing of the measure into law, has cleared the way for Sweden’s NATO accession.
In response to Turkey’s approval of Sweden’s entry, the White House endorsed the F-16 sale, despite longstanding reservations about Turkey’s foreign policies and military actions. Lawmakers had expressed concerns about Turkey’s airstrikes in Syria and tensions with the Greek military.
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, welcomed Turkey’s approval but also raised concerns about the country’s human rights record and its relationship with Russia. He also criticized Hungary’s initial resistance to Sweden’s NATO entry, calling out Prime Minister Viktor Orban for being the “least reliable member of NATO.”
As Turkey and Sweden’s accession to NATO have been secured, this development marks a significant step in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen the alliance and address regional security challenges. The sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey has not only deepened bilateral relations but also undergone a rigorous review process by U.S. lawmakers. Moving forward, continued engagement with Turkey, Sweden, and other NATO members will be crucial in upholding the alliance’s values and addressing geopolitical tensions.