Türkiye intends to purchase U.S. F-16 jets for $23 bln

The U.S. State Department welcomed Turkey’s signing of an official letter that certifies the sale for an estimated $23 billion sale package that includes F-16 fighter jets, calling it “a major step” in talks between the two. 

According to Washington, it is "an important step forward".

Last week, the Turkish Defense Ministry confirmed that the procurement process "continues positively" and according to schedule.

Earlier, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced the conclusion of its deliberations on a $23 billion sale package that includes 40 F-16 fighter jets and roughly 80 modernization kits for Turkey’s existing fleet.