Turkey Shock the United States by Opting F-16 Deal

Turkey has surprised the United States by opting not to purchase modernization packages for its F-16 fighter jets, which had been previously agreed upon during lengthy negotiations earlier this year. Instead, Turkey plans to utilize local resources for the upgrades, leveraging advancements made by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS). Defense Minister Guler stated, "We decided against acquiring the 79 kits because our TUSAS facilities can handle the modernization independently."

Earlier this year, the U.S. had approved a deal that included the sale of 40 new F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters and 79 modernization kits to Turkey, a NATO ally. However, Turkey recently announced its reversal on the purchase of the kits. TUSAS has established itself as a key player in the modernization of F-16s, supported by various indigenous systems that can serve as alternatives to American components.

These advancements highlight Turkey's aim to bolster its self-sufficiency and reliance on domestic suppliers, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. A critical part of the F-16 upgrades is the avionics sector, where Turkey has created its own Mission Computer, known as the Özgün Aviyonik Sistem (OAS), which replaces the U.S. Modular Mission Computer. This system features a flexible design that allows for easy integration of new weapons and sensors.

Developed by ASELSAN, the OAS offers an open software framework that permits ongoing upgrades without depending on foreign technology. This is particularly vital for Turkey as it seeks to incorporate its own weapons, such as the SOM-J cruise missile and HGK guided bomb kits, which typically require U.S. certification for systems supplied by the United States.

Additionally, Turkey has made strides in radar technology with its Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, posing a significant challenge to American systems such as Northrop Grumman’s AN/APG-83 SABR. ASELSAN’s MURAD AESA radar, introduced as part of Turkey's fifth-generation TFX project, is also being considered for retrofitting on the existing F-16s.