U.S. Approves Sales of F-16s to Turkey, F-35s to Greece

The moves set the stage for an expansion of NATO air power.

Kimberly Johnson

Monday, January 29, 2024 at 12:08 PM ET

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The F-16 Block 70 first flight in January 2023. [Courtesy: Lockheed Martin]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. State Department approved the sale of $23 billion worth of F-16 fighters and upgrades to Turkey, and nearly $9 billion for F-35 jets to Greece.
These approvals followed closely after Turkey ratified Sweden's membership in NATO, signaling a strengthening of the alliance.
The sales are intended to modernize the air power of both NATO allies, enhancing their defense capabilities and interoperability within the alliance.

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The State Department has given the green light for the possible $23 billion sale of F-16 fighters to Turkey and nearly $9 billion sale of F-35 jets to Greece.

The purchase approvals, announced late Friday, set the stage for a significant expansion of NATO air power and came hours after Turkey ratified its approval of Sweden joining the alliance.