US Approves F-16 Sale to Turkey After Sweden Joins NATO

_{A media day for NATO's "Air Defender 23" military exercise at Spangdahlem US Air Base near the German-Belgian border featured the impressive takeoff of an F-16 fighter jet on June 14, 2023.--Reuters}

The United States has granted approval for the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey following the Turkish parliament's recent ratification of Sweden's NATO membership. The US Department of State notified Congress on Friday about the $23 billion agreement for the sale of warplanes to Turkey, a NATO ally, along with a separate $8.6 billion deal for advanced F-35 fighter jets to Greece.

The delay in congressional approval was attributed to Turkey's initial hesitancy in ratifying Sweden's NATO accession, a condition set by the US. However, after a 20-month delay, the Turkish parliament finally ratified Sweden's bid. President Joe Biden urged Congress to promptly approve the F-16 sale.

Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized that his approval of Turkey's request for F-16 aircraft was contingent on Turkey's approval of Sweden's NATO membership. He noted that this decision was not taken lightly and highlighted the need for Turkey to address concerns such as improving its human rights record, cooperating on holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine, and contributing to stability in the Middle East.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs committees play a crucial role in scrutinizing major foreign arms sales, often raising concerns related to human rights or diplomatic issues. Congress has a 15-day window to object to the sale to Turkey after receiving formal notification from the State Department. Despite the potential for criticism, US officials do not anticipate Congress blocking either sale.