Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar answered questions on the agenda at a press conference with Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen.
Upon a journalist's question regarding the removal of the provisions restricting the sale of F-16s to Turkey from the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes the 2023 defense budget, Akar stated that work continues for the procurement of 40 F-16s and the modernization of 79 aircraft belonging to the Air Force Command.
Akar stated that they made an effort to conclude these works in a positive and rapid manner.
"We follow all developments and studies closely. We have seen the positive approach of our US counterparts from the very beginning on this issue. We have always seen a positive approach from the USA, including the members of the delegation, in the meetings between the delegations, especially the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin. Depending on these positive approaches, we now expect positive and concrete steps from the USA. We want these works and the process to be concluded as soon as possible in a positive and rapid manner. We expect all our allies, especially Finland, to support and contribute to Turkey's fight against terrorism and the modernization efforts of the Turkish Armed Forces," Akar said.
“THE F-16 IS A PART OF THAT”
Emphasizing that the Turkish Armed Forces is fighting against terrorists and that their only target is terrorists, Akar said, "We expect the necessary contribution from our allies to support the procurement and modernization efforts of our Armed Forces, both in the fight against terrorism and in ensuring that we can fully fulfill our duties within NATO. The F-16 issue is also a part of it. We have work to procure and supply from our other allies, but we are encountering some limitations. I would like to remind you once again that these restrictions are also removed. Because naturally, the most important thing we all need to know is; means strong Turkish Armed Forces, strong NATO, strong alliance."