Washington: Turkey is reportedly preparing to make a sweeping acquisition of U.S.-made aircraft and fighter jets, including hundreds of Boeing airliners and Lockheed Martin F-16 jets, according to a Bloomberg report. The potential deals, which could exceed $10 billion in local production contracts, are expected to hinge on approval from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The announcement comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to meet President Trump at the White House on September 25, where these major defense and aerospace agreements are likely to be discussed and potentially finalized. The deals reflect Turkey’s ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its air fleet while strengthening its domestic aerospace industry.
The prospective purchase includes both commercial and military aircraft, signaling a renewed focus on Turkey’s aviation and defense sectors. In particular, the F-16 acquisition follows Turkey’s earlier exclusion from the F-35 program in 2019, after the country purchased the Russian S-400 missile defense system, which led to the cancellation of U.S. fighter jet sales. The new plans indicate Ankara’s intent to rebuild and modernize its air capabilities through American technology.
Neither U.S. nor Turkish officials, nor representatives from Boeing and Lockheed Martin, have publicly commented on the reported deals. Nevertheless, the proposed acquisitions underscore the strategic significance of U.S.-Turkey relations, especially within the broader context of NATO cooperation and regional security. Analysts suggest that these agreements, if realized, could strengthen bilateral ties while positioning Turkey as a key player in global aerospace and defense markets.
Source: Bloomberg/Reuters