The 'technical' part of Turkey's F-16 Block 70 procurement is complete
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Technical negotiations between Turkey and the USA regarding Turkey's procurement of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets have been completed. Ministry of National Defense sources made the statement.
In the statement made on the subject by the sources of the Ministry of National Defense, it was stated that the technical meetings of the delegations were completed and the procedures in the USA were expected to be completed. Sources said, “We want this process to be concluded positively and quickly as soon as possible. "We express once again that this issue should not be subject to any conditions," he said.
Turkey's procurement of
F-16 Block 70 fighter jets includes 40 new F-16 fighter jets and the upgrade of 79 of the existing F-16s to the Block 70 level. Additionally, it is claimed that the scope of supply includes a large number of spare parts and ammunition.
According to Reuters, the approximate cost of the supply is 20 billion dollars. However, defense industry researchers evaluate that the $20 billion claim is not very realistic.
F-16 Block 70 Viper Fighter Aircraft
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Jets that have undergone F-16 Block 70/72 modernization are generally classified as 4++ generation, as they will be subject to hardware and structural upgrades compared to other F-16s. The most important step in Viper modernization is the replacement of the existing radar system with the APG-83 Active Phased Array (AESA) radar produced by Northrop Grumman.
With the integration of the APG-83 radar, the situational awareness of F-16s will increase significantly.
In addition, in F-16 Block 70/72; There will be a 6” x 8” CPD (high resolution screen), Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (GCAS) and more technological weapon stations that enable more effective use of the AESA radar and control of pod data.
In addition, new ammunition and missile systems, especially AGM-88E, will be integrated into the aircraft. New generation electronic warfare equipment, the IRST pod and new targeting pods will be available for use on the aircraft.
Türkiye'nin F-16 Blok 70 savaş uçağı tedarikinde, Türkiye ile ABD arasındaki teknik görüşmeler tamamlandı. Açıklamayı, MSB kaynakları yaptı.
www.savunmasanayist.com
Note- Looks like they are going through with the purchase. Unfortunately, if it is realized then a significant portion of Turkish air force will continue to depend on American goodwill well into the late 2030.
Unless USA allow Turkey to integrate its indeginous weapons and manufacture spare parts. Which seems very unlikely with F-16 Block 70 in the current context.
Let's hope instead of modernizing 79 old F-16s to block 70 configeration, they can also be upgraded with Ozgur program like other F-16s in the fleet.
@Sanchez @Yasar @Kartal1 et al.