Turkey,US in $1.1Billion F-16 deal

[Elite Brain]

Why doesnt Turkey just go for new Block 60 F-16E/Fs?


www.AFP.com
Turkey, US agree on 1.1-bln-dollar aircraft modernization deal

ANKARA (AFP) Apr 26, 2005
US defense giant Lockheed Martin will modernize the Turkish army's F-16 aircraft fleet for 1.1 billion dollars (847.5 million euros), under an agreement reached between Ankara and Washington, Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said Tuesday.

"This agreement is the best proof that our relations are on the track," Gonul told reporters, referring to recent tensions between Turkey and the United States stemming mainly from differences over Iraq.

The agreement covers the modernization of 117 planes, with an option of 100 more.







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[kashifshahzad]

What do you think will US supply Turkey its block 60's F-16's i dont know about the type of relations what Turkey have with US .Modranization is not a bad thing it is also good .I want to ask that whether Turkey is rebuilding and overhalling its planes or not

[ocay]

Modernization will be in Turkey and it has total 100 more options. Modernization is not only mid-life upgrade Turkey will have significant air-land attack capability.

[rafale_2k5]

Turkey has a whole F-16 rebuilding plant , theres no point in goin 4 blk60s if u could do the same with blk52s and upgrade em to later levels or for that matter any level since technology is there only thing that matters are the finances to sustain the customization process!!!

Originally Posted by Elite Brain

Why doesnt Turkey just go for new Block 60 F-16E/Fs?

Cause for the price tag of $1.1 Billion they are going to get 117 F-16's that are upgraded to near F-16 Block 52+ standards. How many new build F-16 Block 60's do you think you could purchase for this money? 20, maybe?

I'd rather have 117 F-16 Block 52+ equivalents in my airforce than 20 Block 60's any day...

A new purchase of this many aircraft (of the Block 60 spec) would be looking at $8-10 billion, at least. This way they ensure their fighter capabilities for years to come and will have money to spend on the JSF or whatever in years to come. The JSF "should" be more capable than ANY F-16 variant...