Türkiye 'expects no hurdles' in F-16 approval despite objection

Defense Ministry sources have expressed confidence that the proposed measure in the U.S. Senate to prevent the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Türkiye is unlikely to impede the process.

In response to inquiries, sources said they "do not expect any negativity" in the approval of the F-16 sale despite a recent proposal by Republican Senator Rand Paul.

He introduced a draft resolution to the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee aimed at blocking the sale of the fighter jets to Türkiye. However, sources and analysts downplayed the potential impact of the measure, highlighting that significant obstacles to the sale are not anticipated.

One critical aspect highlighted is the necessity for additional support within the Senate committee to advance the bill. Although former chairman Bob Menendez had expressed opposition to the sale, his successor, Ben Cardin, has openly approved it.

The absence of objections from the relevant committee of the House of Representatives bolsters expectations for the sale to proceed smoothly.

The Joe Biden administration formally told Congress about the proposed $23 billion sale on Jan. 25. The notification period, spanning 15 days, is set to conclude on Feb. 10.

The notification came after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed off on Sweden's accession to NATO - a development that caps off more than a year of negotiations.

The formal endorsement of Sweden's membership by the Turkish parliament and Erdoğan's subsequent decree were published in Türkiye's official gazette on Jan. 25, marking the conclusion of the ratification process within the country.

Under the deal, Türkiye is slated to receive 40 new F-16s, along with upgrades to 79 of its existing fleet.

Erdoğan has long tied the...