NYREADERS.COM – U.S. military technology and contractor company Lockheed Martin has struck a substantial deal to sell advanced weaponry, predominantly fighter jets, to both Turkey and Greece valued at US$31.6 billion.
The deal was disclosed by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress over the planned production and sale of weaponry. The bulk of the deal will be allotted to Turkey.
The U.S. State Department and Congress approvals are required to ensure that the sale of the weaponry system aligns with U.S. foreign policy and will not disrupt regional stability.
The deal is designed to modernize the air forces of Turkey and Greece, which could potentially alter the military balance in the region.
Lockheed Martin is an American aerospace, defence, arms, security, and advanced technologies company with worldwide interests, known for manufacturing military aircraft among other platforms.
DSCA is the Pentagon Department which is responsible for coordinating sensitive weapons sales between U.S. defence contractors and foreign governments.
Turkey has said the purpose of the purchase of the fighter jets is to ‘expand and modernize’ its air force, which is currently comprised of older F-16C Falcon and F-4E Phantom fighter jets.
The U.S. Congress had not objected to the aircraft purchases by Greece, but since October 2021 had been slowed down the Turkish transaction.
Lockheed Martin said on its website that more than 3,100 F-16s are operating today in 25 countries. The F-16 has flown an estimated 19.5 million flight hours and at least 13 million sorties. Today’s latest version, the Block 70/72, offers unparalleled capabilities and will be flown by six countries and counting. (*)