Turkey’s defence procurement authority said that the country will upgrade the structural life of its F-16 fighter jets from 8,000 flight hours to 12,000.
İsmail Demir, the head of Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) said that the improvement of the current F-16 Block 30 jets would include the replacement of 1,200 to 1,500 parts per aircraft.
“The upgrade program indicates Turkey’s intention to keep the F-16s as its main aerial firepower until the country completes work on its planned indigenous fighter jet,” said Çağlar Kurç, an adjunct lecturer at Turkey’s Bilkent University, Defence News reported on Tuesday.
Turkey is seeking to enhance its aerial firepower after the United States suspended its purchase of F-35 fighter jets in 2019 in response to its acquisition of Russian S-400 air defence missiles.
Turkey is seeking to build its own fighter jet, which could enter service in the 2030s. But according to Defence News, the programme is suffering hiccups.
“Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has been in talks with British engine-maker Rolls-Royce for engine know-how and co-production, but a final contract has yet to emerge,” the news website said.
Ahval