New era for the Turkish Air Force F-16 fleet!

Türkiye has been on the agenda lately with the F-16 Viper Block 70 crisis. Because the dispute over the sale of F-35 and the subsequent decision to sell F-16 Viper Block 70 to Turkey, the issue escalated gradually. Of course, there is also the intervention of some American politicians who wanted to pass a rejection decision in the US Council yesterday. However, according to the information received today, the electronic warfare kits to be purchased for Turkish F-16 aircraft have been determined. Here are the details…

The electronic warfare kits to be purchased for Turkish F-16 aircraft have been announced!

Türkiye has been in close political contact with the United States for the last few months. The F-35 crisis between the two countries later raised many questions in the minds of the F-35s sold to Greece and the decision to sell F-16s to Turkey.

Following all these developments, there was an important development for the F-16 Block 30 and 50 aircraft in the Turkish Air Force inventory. As you know, Turkey will purchase a modernization kit in addition to 40 F-16s. In addition to the kits, which are reported to be 79 pieces, additional equipment and ammunition will also be purchased. This item, which is considered as additional equipment, also includes electronic warfare kits, which we will explain shortly.

After the discussions and evaluations, the decision was made for the F-16 aircraft in the Turkish Air Force inventory. AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) It was reported that it would be purchased. Along with these kits, Turkish jets will have electronic warfare kits in the Block 70 class. With these kits, a new era will begin in the Turkish Air Force inventory, called 70.

With IVEWS, F-16 aircraft are equipped with a new generation digital radar warning receiver, a redesigned processor for EW applications, and new data antennas designed by calculating the aircraft’s own dynamics. In addition, it is fully compatible with the AN/APG-83 SABR AESA radar.

So when will the sale of F-16 Viper Block 70 aircraft be approved?

For the United States, the decision is now subject to congressional approval. US Senator Rand Paul prepared an opposing bill regarding Turkey’s purchase of F-16 Viper Block 70. Apart from this bill, there is no other opposition. In other words, if no cancellation occurs until February 10, 2024, the sale of the aircraft will be approved.