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United States has granted approval for the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey after the Turkish parliament ratified Sweden’s NATO membership earlier this week. The US Department of State formally notified Congress of the $23 billion agreement, marking a pivotal moment in regional defense dynamics.
The delay in congressional approval stemmed from Turkey’s prior request for F-16 jets in October 2021, contingent on the ratification of Sweden’s NATO bid. With the Turkish parliament finally endorsing Sweden’s accession after a 20-month deliberation, the path was cleared for the US to greenlight the arms deal.
In addition to the F-16 sale, the US also approved a separate $8.6 billion agreement to provide advanced F-35 fighter jets to Greece. This move reflects strategic considerations in the volatile geopolitical landscape, with NATO dynamics playing a crucial role.
Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized the conditional nature of his approval for the F-16 sale. He stressed the need for Turkey to address urgent concerns, including improving its human rights record, contributing to holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine, and fostering stability in the Middle East.
Cardin stated, “My concerns have been strongly and consistently conveyed to the Biden administration,” highlighting ongoing discussions with Turkish officials to address these issues.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House of Representatives Foreign Affairs committees, responsible for scrutinizing major foreign arms sales, play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with human rights and diplomatic standards.
While Congress has the authority to object within 15 days of formal notification, US officials do not anticipate any significant hurdles, indicating a broad consensus in favor of the strategic arms deal with Turkey. The approval underscores the delicate balance between geopolitical interests, diplomatic considerations, and human rights concerns in international arms agreements.
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