- WIADOMOŚCI
Is Turkey about to purchase F-35 fighter jets?
Turkey is reportedly conducting a $500 billion energy deal with the US. It could be linked to a future purchase of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets by Ankara.
The arrangement implies that US energy companies will invest directly in exploration, production, and pipeline development in Turkey’s territorial waters in the Mediterranean, as well as in Syria and Libya. The US is also supposedly investing in Turkey’s financial system.
The energy deal is being linked to the reported future purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. A deal on those is supposed to be signed on 7–8 July during the NATO summit in Ankara. Earlier this month, the US Ambassador to Ankara, Tom Barrack, indicated that “the F-35 matter could be settled within the next four to six months.“ For now, neither side has officially commented on the fighter jets deal.
Not every NATO member is thrilled about the expected deal. Greece is against Turkey’s acquisition of the fighter jets. “Such an approach risks overlooking sensitive and unresolved political disputes, particularly Greece’s concerns over maritime issues in the region,” Defence Industry Europe comments. Israel also expressed its concerns. Possession of the fighter jets by Turkey would weaken their technological advantage in the region.
