Turkish Air Force received first F-16 fighters, upgraded in the country. This was announced on his page in social networks by the head of the Defense Industry Department of the Republic Ismail Demir.. According to him, success in this business was achieved thanks to the efforts of domestic companies.
From now on, our F-16s will continue to serve our Air Force. It was a gift for the centenary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey - said Demir.
The domestic project for the modernization of the above fighters was launched by the Defense Industry Directorate under the Presidential Administration of Turkey, named ÖZGÜR, which means "free" in Turkish. This project included work to replace radars on these military aircraft, control systems, avionics, as a result, the life of the F-16 Block-30 was increased from 8 thousand. to 12 thousand. flight hours. In this way, aircraft can now be used until the 2040s.
Also, domestically produced avionics systems were introduced into the aircraft., thanks to which these combat vehicles were able to be brought to the level of "Viper". As for the on-board computer on the upgraded fighter, then he is also domestic (Turkish). Furthermore, the presence of communication systems of its own production in it allows pilots to establish communication with drones, including strike UAVs, along with other aircraft and offshore platforms. F-16 missile arsenal to be replenished with Turkish cruise missiles and bombs, such as Atmaca.