What did Turkey lost with the F-35 decision taken by the US or did Turkey really lost? Some segments think that the failure of getting F-35s instead of the life completed F-16s will make Turkey lose power in the air. Are they right?
So, do the F-35s really meet our needs? I think we should look for answers to this question first. While doing research on this subject, I came across the name of retired Colonel Osman Başıbüyük, who served as a pilot on F-104 and F-16 aircraft. In addition to being a pilot, he also served as an arm flyer, leader and teacher. Now I want to bring some of his points to your attention.
- These planes were designed to meet the needs of both air forces, navy and marines. The current state of the art technology was also asked to meet in the fuselage. This created an incredibly complex structure. Everyone was told to do their job, but the maneuverability of the aircraft was limited due to this structure. Speed and climbing problems occurred and their range was shortened.
- The main reasons for choosing the aircraft of the partner countries were invisibility. However, examinations made on the aircraft produced, it is understood the S-400s up to 300 miles close to the F-35s were able to see.
- While designing the aircraft, the USA developed a software called “Integrated Logistics System”. For example, the sensors on the aircraft report a malfunction in the air. Not only the failure, but also the flight plan information must be reported to all connected to the server in the United States. For example, let's say, Turkey will do a covert operation across the border. Everything from the ammunition carried by the aircraft to the system is being entered. It also does not allow any changes to the US software codes. So America is aware of every step we take. In this case, will there be privacy?
- Lockheed Martin from the USA produces F-35s. The project was too late.
- At the beginning of the project in 2002, one of the officers sent to the US by the Air Force to pursue this work was arrested for the July 15 coup attempt. Another was the general who tried to persuade the generals present at the wedding on the night of the coup. What happened between these officers and the US? Any unjust enrichment or other relationship involved, if any, should be revealed.
- Ninety percent of the commanders who said they should not buy this aircraft were dismissed by familiar cases like the Ergenekon and Sledgehammer.
- Turkey has committed to buy 116 aircrafts. By this time Turkey paid 1 billion USD. Initially, the cost per aircraft was 40-45 million USD. Now it is over 100 million USD. This number is expected to decrease to 80-85 million as the number of aircraft increases.
The F-16s were 30-35 million. Along with the cost of the F-35 ground support systems and simulators Turkey will be 16-18 billion USD. And giving this money is not over. Airplanes have life cycles. For example, they can be used for 30 years. Cost during the life cycle is usually 3 times the initial cost. This makes an average of 54 billion USD. If you think that the defense budget of 2019 is 47 billion TL, that is approximately 8 billion USD, we will have to allocate one quarter of the defense budget for F-35s every year. So in these difficult economic conditions and in an environment where we have to develop our own aircraft industry, we will transfer our own resources to the US.
After these statements of retired Air Pilot Colonel Osman Başıbüyük, I was confused. I wanted you guys to get involved. Maybe we can make discussions about the F-35 on a healthy ground.
These claims are very serious and must be thoroughly discussed and investigated. Maybe we could even thank America for getting us out of this program at the end, huh?