Although the F-16V process coincided with NATO's Scandinavian expansion, another important issue that has been overshadowed in the Turkish media is that Iran has started to conduct joint exercises with China in the region and that Russian Su-35 deliveries will begin in 2023. Although there are of course many other reasons, but it can be assumed as one of the big factors that these developments on NATO's eastern flank have been instrumental in softening the resistance created by senators who have become toys in the hands of congressional lobbyists.
If we look at the issue from the perspective of air force current/short term positions and -ASAP type- procurement planning, one of opportunity attracts my attention more: As we know, the list of ammunition notified to the congress includes both the new block AGM-88Bs and the AGM-88E AARGM order, which includes advanced active millimeter-wave seeker features that are developed with Italy. Thus, AARGM will enter the TAF inventory. It has an important update that allows the missile to continue tracking the target with determination even if the radar is turned off to get rid of the missile lock. In Viper squadrons, AARGM will be integrated with AN/ALQ-257 IVEWS and AN/APG-83 SABR on the electronic side.
However, there is another powerful SEAD/DEAD configuration paired with AARGMs: Eurofighter EK, which is also include Sweden Saab's Arexis Electronic Warfare (EW) suite, and which includes the CAPTOR E AESA radar and all these package is expected to replace the Tornado ECR.
We see many embargo decisions being lifted currently. Sweden, followed by Canada as latest examples but general picture seems broader than. With the US approval of the Viper, the only left stumbling is Germany. Personally, I think that this stubborn will be partially lifted, even if only in a narrow scope. I believe that the warm messages of the last days by german politicis are also aimed at preparing this environment. For Germany, NATO is not the only issue, but more importantly, there is an EU's future that declared its intention a week ago to provide a financing of up to 300 billion euros for the stronger integration of Central Asia into the EU's energy security and trade.
The fact that Germany is blocking this sale when the UK side is so willing to do so, I think, is becoming an increasingly critical issue in shaping the future of German-Turkish relations. And I think the UK is pursuing a win-in-every-situation strategy. But there is only one way in which Germany can win. It seems that Air Force has reached AARGM to prevent any vulnerability until the AKBABA, MURAD, MEH POD/IS solution is in place. While even the US sees it as a strategic issue to meet on minimum commonalities and secure the alliance border, Germany's alone and foot dragging position without a serious supporter is pushing relations permanent fracture and it is really nothing but nonsense. Verin amk T4'leri...
