The United States agreed to sell 40 F-16 fighter bombers to Turkey for $23 billion after its support for Sweden in NATO.

he US Department of State Notified this Friday to Congress Which agreed to sell 40 fighter bombers F16 and various related equipment in the amount of $23,000 million TürkiyeAfter what Ankara Committed this week to allow entry Sweden In the NATO.

He added, “The sale will support the country's foreign policy and national security objectives.” United State By improving an ally's air capabilities NATO “And (…) it will not change the basic military balance in the region.” County administration In the statement announcing the feasibility of the deal.

from Türkiye They were insisting on a secretary US state, Anthony BlinkenThis would help lift the ban on the sale of these military aircraft, which has been paralyzed in the past Congress United State.

In fact, although he could still object, everything indicates that he will not do so after reviewing the documents signed by the President of the Republic. Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoganto complete the deal.

Official notification b Department of State to Congress This operation, which also includes the sale of modernization parts for 79 other aircraft, has been practically closed. F16 Which you already own Türkiye.

In a statement US Department of State It was detailed that the contracting company will be Lockheed Martin and that The sale will allow Turkey to “expand and modernize its fleet” With “multi-purpose” combat aircraft ensuring the defense of its airspace and “interoperability.” United States of America With its partners NATO.

from Washington They added that the implementation of this deal would not have “any negative impact” on the defense system of the North American country.

Erdogan He had confirmed in recent months that the access certification processes Sweden to NATO And sell F16 He had to come forward simultaneously, explaining that the two issues were related for him as well.

“I hope that if they remain true to their word, our Parliament will also remain true to their word.”The Turkish President even said this, warning that his government would act based on what members of the US Congress did.

Much Sweden how Finland Apply for entry NATO After the Russian invasion Ukraine In February 2022, but while the latter agreed in April, the former's request was met with continued rejection Hungary And Türkiye.

Finally, the Turkish Parliament They voted on Tuesday to enter Sweden In the NATO And Erdogan The bill was signed into law on Thursday.

It is a process that has been long overdue It damaged the sale of forty F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Greece – Strategic competitor to Türkiye– which also witnessed how these already approved fighter-bombers were sold on Friday for about $8.6 billion.

Despite his government's promises… Hungary It is the only member state of NATO Which has not yet ratified Sweden's accession to the alliance.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor OrbánThe delay was justified, among other things, by criticism from Swedish politicians over Hungary's authoritarian drift.

In recent months, Orban and several of his ministers have indicated that “Hungary will not be the last country to ratify Sweden’s accession (to NATO).”

(With information from EFE)