America has decided to give F-16 fighter jets worth $23 billion to Turkey. This deal has been approved.
Under this deal, Turkey will get 40 F-16 fighter jets. Apart from this, 79 fighter jets included in its fleet will also be upgraded.
Let us tell you that Turkey was often seen standing with Pakistan in many matters including Kashmir. However, this time its stance appeared soft in the G20 conference held in Delhi.
According to Al Jazeera’s report, Turkey had supported Sweden’s NATO membership. This deal is being considered as a reward for that step.
Many American MPs have also opposed this move. He says that Türkiye’s human rights record is not good. In such a situation, giving him a deadly fighter jet is not the right step.
America has made a big move
Giving fighter jets to Türkiye is also being said to be a move of America. Actually, there has been tension between Türkiye and Greece for a long time. America has also approved the supply of F-35 fighter jets to Greece.
These fighter planes are more powerful than F-16. Let us tell you that both the countries are members of NATO. Greece had shown interest in purchasing F-35 from America in 2020 itself.
Greece will receive 40 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter jets and related equipment.
Let us tell you that Turkey was also demanding to strengthen the F-16 fleet since 2021. However, Sweden’s opposition to NATO remained a stumbling block.
This path was cleared when Turkey supported Sweden’s cause. Regarding this step, Democratic MP Ben Cardick said, this decision has not been taken lightly.
After much deliberation, it has been decided to provide fighter jets to Turkey. He said, we want to improve relations with Türkiye.
The way Russia is harassing its peace-loving neighbours. To tighten the noose on it, expansion of NATO is necessary.
MPs can raise objection within 15 days
This deal is not considered final yet. In America, Congress is given 15 days to register its objection.
Only after this the deal will be considered final. Let us tell you that Turkey took more than a year to agree to include Sweden in NATO.
He believed that Sweden was not serious about its security and that is why it did not go against the Kurdish fighters.
Let us tell you that Finland became a member of NATO in April last year. Now the eyes are on Hungary. Hungary has not yet agreed to include Sweden.
However, after Turkey’s decision, Hungary is also expected to take a decision soon.