Continuing with the challenges and delays in modernizing its Air Force, Turkey announced this week its decision not to proceed with upgrading part of its current fleet of F-16 fighters to Block 70. This was a key aspect of a complex negotiation with the U.S. aimed at unlocking Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO. For now, Ankara appears to be betting on its domestic military-industrial complex to handle the modernization process, further straining relations with its American ally, whose approval is required to advance efforts to upgrade the U.S.-origin platform.
The news was confirmed by Turkey’s Defense Minister, Yaşar Güler, who stated that the agreement reached earlier this year between the two countries would be significantly scaled back. Specifically, the original deal included the acquisition of 79 modernization kits to upgrade F-16s to Block 70, alongside the purchase of 40 new Vipers of this variant. The total package, initially valued at $23 billion, would now be reduced to an estimated $6.5–$7 billion, covering the purchase of the 40 aircraft and an accompanying weapons package.
Explaining the decision, Minister Güler remarked: “We were going to supply 79 modernization kits. We gave up on these 79 (…) We gave up for this reason: TAI is currently in a position to carry out this F-16 modernization on its own. That’s why we will transfer the process there. We will purchase the 40 new aircraft. Special ammunition is also included. The total amount will be approximately $6.5–$7 billion.”
Regarding this matter, the specific upgrades Turkey’s domestic industry plans to implement on the fighters remain unclear. However, recent developments provide some insight into the process. Notably, this year, ASELSAN successfully integrated its MURAD AESA radar into an F-16 Block 30 fighter of the Turkish Air Force—a system also intended for Turkey’s future KAAN fighter under local development. Additionally, as part of the ÖZGÜR program, Turkey has upgraded its Block 30 fighters with a new locally produced avionics system and extended the service life of their airframes.
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the purchase of 40 new F-16 Block 70 aircraft has reportedly already commenced, with initial payments confirmed by Minister Güler. However, with the collapse of negotiations for the new modernization kits, it remains uncertain whether the U.S. will readily approve Turkey’s plans to proceed with locally managed upgrades to bring the F-16s to higher blocks as announced.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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