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 a $23 billion sale of F-16 fighters to Turkey and a nearly $9 billion sale of F-35 jets to Greece.
These significant military sales were announced hours after Turkey ratified Sweden's accession to NATO.
The approvals are expected to considerably expand NATO's air power and enhance interoperability among allied forces.

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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.