World News | US approves F-16 upgrade after Turkey eases stance on NATO

WASHINGTON, April 18 (AP) — The United States agreed Monday to sell Turkey $259 million worth of software it has long sought to upgrade its fleet of U.S. F-16 fighter jets. The U.S. State Department approved the sale two weeks after Turkey dropped its opposition to Finland’s NATO membership.

Türkiye continues to refuse to allow Sweden to join the military alliance. NATO needs unanimous consent to admit new members.

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Turkey also wants to buy 40 new F-16s from the United States, but some in Congress oppose the sale until Turkey approves the two Nordic countries to join NATO.

Turkey missed out on buying high-tech military aircraft after it decided to buy Russian anti-aircraft missiles in 2017.

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Turkey has been excluded from U.S. plans to develop the next-generation F-35 fighter jet, and Turkish defense officials have also been sanctioned. The United States says Russian missiles pose a threat to the F-35 and strongly opposes their use within the NATO alliance. Turkey views the F-16 as an interim option for enhanced air capabilities.

The software sale approved on Monday will allow Turkey to update the avionics of its existing fleet of F-16s. The State Department said the upgrades included improving communications and security procedures, such as the Ground Avoidance System. It called it an “interoperability and fundamental flight safety issue” for Turkey and its allies. (Associated Press)

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