US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, on the question of Turkey's long-standing F-16 purchase request, "Turkey is a very valuable partner. We will continue to do our best to strengthen our relationship," he glossed over the subject with his words.
Austin made no mention of Turkey's $1.4 billion payment for the F-35 program.
TURKEY WAITING ANSWERS FOR PAID F-16 BLOCK 70 AIRCRAFT
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chief of Staff General Mark Milley held a joint press conference after the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting.
Anadolu Agency reporter asked US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, "Turkey requests to purchase modernization kits for its new F-16s and existing F-16s. Ankara says failure to ratify as soon as possible will undermine the security not only of Turkey but also of NATO. What is your opinion on this evaluation? What do you think about the delivery of F-16 Blok 70 planes to Turkey?"
Austin replied the question as follows:
"Turkey is a NATO ally and we have a long and strong relationship with Turkey. We are doing our best to keep it that way as much as possible. Maintaining interoperability among our NATO partners is very important to us. This will always be a focus and priority."
AUSTIN HAS AUTHORITY BUT HE SAID HE WON'T COMMENT
Stating that he will not comment on pending gun and equipment sales requests before they are notified to Congress, Austin said, "However, I must emphasize that; Turkey is a very valuable partner. We will do our best to strengthen our relationship."