US Approves F-16 Fighter Jet Sale to Turkey After Erdogan OKs Sweden’s Entry to NATO

The sale was contingent on Turkey approving Sweden’s entry to NATO.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) shakes hands with Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (R) as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg looks on prior to a meeting ahead of a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, on July 10, 2023. Yves Herman/Pool Photo via AP

The U.S. State Department notified Congress on Friday of the approval for Turkey’s purchase of 40 F-16 fighter jets for $23 billion after the country approved Sweden’s bid to join NATO.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency confirmed the decision and highlighted the significance of the sale in contributing to Turkey’s defense capabilities.