The U.S. Approves Sale of F-16s to Turkey

The Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ben Cardin, has approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey following Ankara's decision to ratify Sweden's NATO membership, according to a statement from the committee. The information was reported by RIA Novosti.

“Today, the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ben Cardin, welcomed Turkey’s ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership and announced that he will now allow the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey,” the published statement reads.

It is also noted that Cardin expressed concerns about Hungary’s obstacles regarding Sweden’s NATO accession. “Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has once again demonstrated himself to be NATO’s least reliable member and has played the role of saboteur in the European Union’s efforts to provide necessary economic assistance to Ukraine,” Cardin added.

Finland and Sweden applied for NATO membership in May 2022 against the backdrop of events in Ukraine. Finland became NATO's 31st member on April 4. Erdogan has officially confirmed Turkey's ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership. The decree confirming the ratification of the protocol, which was approved by the Turkish parliament, has been published in the official government bulletin. Following Turkey, Sweden's application now awaits approval from Hungary.