T1 really isn't worth investing in. On the other hand, the UK failed to sell these jets. Jets with relatively low flight hours will be out of service. If these aircraft are given as grants, UK companies can continue to make money from these jets, both in terms of modernization and logistics. From our point of view, it can partially meet a need with AESA radar, national mission computer and ammunition such as Gökdoğan Bozdoğan. Or a much more limited number of grants may be considered for OCU purposes. It can be thought of as approximating the unit cost of EF with a possible F-16 B70 cost to us. We only consider the Turkish side of the issue. However, there is also the part that concerns the UK aviation industry and, more importantly, the UK's foreign policy. Buying a jet from a country is not just about buying a jet.
If we manage to get a certain number of T4s, a fleet of T1s in the pack may mean something. Otherwise, I'm sure buying only the T1 is not a possibility that any Turkish aviation enthusiast is interested in.
No. I 'want' that all 237 aircraft be subject to the B-70 and Özgür modernization packages and, if political conditions allow, at least 2 squadrons of EF T4s be purchased.
Don't worry about the economy. The defense ministry's budget is still in the 1.6/1.8% band. The reason for this view is that you cannot foresee how far the ministry of defense can expand its facilities if feels an imminent risk on national security. The worst years for the Turkish economy (and the years when we were closest to full scale war) are 93-2002. In these years, there were not only threats of war and a devastating economic crisis one after another, but also the internal political balances were mostly chaotic and and even domestic defense industrial opportunities were mostly limited. Under all these conditions, the state was able to increase the necessary defense expenditures at necessary points. I suggest you do a research on foreign purchases made at that time.
There is no need for large-scale infrastructure investments in EF, Rafale, Gripen etc non-US NATO aircrafts. They will be deployed within the same command and control structure and at the same bases. The logistics line will still be part of NATO and they largely have common standards. Here, the cost factor is the arrangements to be made on the maintenance lines and the introduction of sets related to a new aircraft into the logistics system. The time factor is related to the operational conversion of aircrafts and ground services. At this point, the process can be accelerated with some second hand purchases.
If we talk about non-NATO aircrafts, the cost and time factor may be unmanageable.
Yeah! I have some ideas about the turkish defense ministry's reach.
However, personally, I don't think turkish national security is under imminent threat! For me, from 'realpolitik perspective' it is very illogical and irrational of greece to go to war with turkey in the near future. There is no geopolitical or economic gain from it. And I think, dumb nationalistic rhetoric aside, Greeks are by and large rational actors!
And yes it seems because of the benefits of common nato standard there will no need for large-scale infrastructure investments for typhoon. However, some changes in command and control and tactical doctrine likely to happen. Given, the EF will bring some new capability to TURAF that wasn't present with f716s.
Last but not the least, there is some downside of subjecting all 80 block 50 to b-70 modernization. Because, for the integration of gokdogan, gokhan, akbaba and various som and cakir varrients you will need to give up these weapon's software codes to lockheed martin or you will need to obtain the source codes of the new block 70 mission computer. I dont see neither of them happening in current atmosphere of us-turkey bilateral relationship.
And in case of KGK, HGK, TEBER, aselsan miniature bomb, tubitak kuzgun all of it will need to be recertified on block 70. ( and i am not sure to what extent will usa allow it, even these ones aren't as critical as previous strategic ones ) So, my conclusion is, if turkey ended up buying typhoon they should go for typhoons only. At least, in case of old typhoons the integration of indigenous avionics, sensors and weapon will be lot easier given turkey can obtain source codes from uk.
Note. 'by dumb nationalistic rhetoric aside' i meant, 'apart from the dumb nationalistic rhetoric greeks politicians use for home audience.' please do not misunderstand the sentence.
These are only my personal opinions. Don't take it too seriously.
