TURKISH DECISIONS COULD
HAVE BIG IMPLICATIONS
T
HE TURKISH AIR Force has
lost out on receiving its eet
of 100 F-35s due to Ankara’s
determination to proceed
with procurement of the
Russian S-400 ground-based
air defense system. Turkish aerospace
companies could lose out signi cantly if
industrial participation is also pulled.
It’s also unclear how much further
impact the decision will have on the
wealth of American equipment in Turkey’s
inventory, although the US is certainly
set to withhold certain technologies and
could enforce sanctions.
In its twilight years, the F-4E-
(pictured here) is unlikely to be a ected;
the Turkish Air Force isn’t planning further
upgrades, although the indigenous TF-X
program could grow in importance and
gain additional impetus.
However, even TF-X could feel the
strain of the S-400 deal — it was set to
be powered by General Electric enginesand it’s unclear if the US will block such an
agreement.
It also has potential impact on the ability
to support E-7T airborne early warning
and control aircraft and its signi cant
F-16 eet. However, local industry has
accumulated signi cant experience of
these aircraft and is likely to expand its
involvement through domestic upgrades.
To keep track of the latest breaking news
and analysis in the world of military air
power you can visit our social media sites
and our website: http://www.combataircraft.net
You can also sign up for our free e-mail
newsletter by going to
http://www.combataircraft.net to register.A Turkish Air Force F-4E-
marked in 2018 to celebrate 60
years since the fi rst fl ight of the
Phantom II. These warhorses may
need to live on longer, especially
if the US blocks new equipment
as part of the fallout from the
recent S-400 acquisition.
Cees-Jan van der EndeJamie Hunter,
Editor
E-mail: [email protected]04 September 2019 //^ http://www.combataircraft.net
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