Turkey (Türkiye): Possible U.S. F-16 Sale (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Sept. 5, 2023 |
| Report Number |
IN12111 |
| Report Type |
Insight |
| Authors |
Jim Zanotti; Clayton Thomas |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
In February 2023, Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly confirmed that the Biden Administration
supports a possible sale of F-16 fighter aircraft to Turkey (Türkiye)—a member of the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO)—and has engaged Congress on the issue. According to January 2023 media
reports citing unnamed U.S. officials, the Biden Administration has provided informal notification to
Congress about the possible sale. Issues potentially factoring into congressional review of a proposed sale
include Turkey’s role regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Sweden’s NATO membership application,
regional rivalry with Greece, and Turkish domestic matters.
The January informal notification is reportedly for 40 new F-16s of the advanced Block 70/72 Viper
configuration and Block 70/72 upgrade packages for 79 existing fighters (see Figure 1), along with 900
air-to-air missiles and 800 bombs, at an estimated total value of $20 billion. The transaction could
modernize and extend the service life of much of Turkey’s fleet while Turkey tries to acquire or design a
more advanced fighter. However, delivery of new F-16s might face a production backlog.
