Turkey Rethinks F-16 Purchase From U.S., Eyes Engines

Date: 24 September 2025 - 21:40

News ID: ۱۴۳۸۷۴

ANKARA (Dispatches) – Turkey may seek to amend a multibillion-dollar U.S. arms deal, requesting jet engines instead of F-16 fighter jets and missiles, Middle East Eye reported.
Last year, Ankara scaled back its initial plan to acquire 79 F-16 modernization kits, opting instead for 40 F-16 Vipers and associated ammunition, reducing the deal’s value from $23 billion to $7 billion. Now, some senior Turkish officials reportedly favor further changes, scrapping the F-16 purchase and parts of the ammunition package entirely.
According to Middle East Eye, Turkey intends to prioritize investment in its domestically produced fifth-generation fighter jet, the Kaan, and seek jet engines compatible with the aircraft. The move is also seen as a preparation for a possible return to the U.S.-led F-35 program, from which Ankara was excluded in 2019 over its purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems.
The issue was expected to arise during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Washington this week. It remained unclear whether Ankara would formally present the offer during meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Turkey’s defense officials remain divided over how best to replace the country’s aging F-16 fleet, with some urging an immediate purchase of the 40 Vipers to bolster air capabilities. Others advocate modernizing existing jets with local technologies and focusing on the Kaan, whose first deliveries are slated for late 2028 but could be delayed until 2030.
A source told Middle East Eye that “instead of spending billions on F-16s, some in Ankara argue the funds could be redirected to purchase F-16 engines, compatible with the Kaan.” The Kaan will initially use General Electric’s F110 engines, also used in F-16s, though Turkey plans to develop an indigenous engine for later models.
Concerns also exist over U.S. restrictions on F-16s, which may prevent Turkey from integrating its domestically produced payloads. Turkey has developed a range of indigenous weapons, from cruise missiles to guided munitions.
Defense Minister Yasar Guler confirmed a $1.4 billion down payment on the F-16 deal in November, but some officials continue to prioritize rejoining the F-35 program, which could rapidly enhance Turkey’s air power. Six F-35 jets built for Turkey remain in U.S. storage, ready for transfer if Ankara is readmitted.
However, reports say the Pentagon is unlikely to reopen F-35 talks until the F-16 agreement is finalized and may reject selling engines instead of jets. Turkey’s potential F-35 return holds strategic significance amid regional rivalries, as Greece plans to receive F-35s by 2028 and Israel, along with Greece, lobbies Washington to block arms sales to Turkey to maintain regional military balance.