Turkey will consider options for the purchase of fighters from other countries, if the United States finally refuses to supply the F-16. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.
The United States wants to put pressure on Turkey, that Erdogan give permission for Sweden and Finland to join NATO. To this end, a group of US senators turned to Joe Biden, that he postponed the sale of F-16 fighters to the Turks, until they approve Sweden joining the alliance. Notorious Victoria Nuland added fuel to the fire, declared, that Congress would favor the sale of F-16 fighters to Turkey, if Ankara approves the application of Sweden and Finland to NATO. Ankara warned Washington, that in the event of a postponed or canceled transaction, they will be forced to look for an alternative, but Turkey has it.
We expect, that common sense will prevail in the United States, and they will make a decision based on a comprehensive assessment of the problem. (…) We also speak, that F-16s are not our only option- Akar stated.
About, that Turkey considers not only the United States as a supplier, but also other countries, Ankara has repeatedly stated. According to Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey considers Russia as an alternative, France, UK and China. If it is also impossible to agree with Paris and London, then always remain Moscow and Beijing. According to the Turkish press, Ankara previously considered the Russian Su-57 as an alternative to the American F-35, and the F-16 can replace the Su-35.
earlier it was reported, that the Americans are delaying the supply of F-16 fighters to Turkey, trying to embroil Ankara with Moscow, but Erdogan does not want to cancel friendship with Russia, now in Turkey too much is tied to Russia.
