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The Joe Biden administration has asked U.S. congressional leaders to approve the sale of advanced weapons systems and other equipment for Turkey's fleet of F-16 fighter jets, US officials cited by the Wall Street Journal said,[/B] paving the way for an imminent proposal to sell additional aircraft to Ankara, which is seeking to reset its relations with Washington.
The proposed sale of weapons systems, which was sent to congressional leaders last month, highlights how Turkey is seeking to leverage its role as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks and its support for the Ukrainian military as a way to restore relations with Washington and acquire sophisticated weapons. The potential deal would include missiles, radars and electronics for the Turkish F-16 in a development that would significantly upgrade the neighboring country's fighter jets.
Turkey has hosted two rounds of talks between Kiev and Moscow, and has also supplied armed drones to Ukraine and prevented some Russian warships from entering the Black Sea. These moves have resulted in closer ties with Washington and more frequent contact between Turks and U.S. officials, the Wall Street Journal writes.
U.S. officials familiar with the matter said the administration could use the missile deal to "gauge" the level of support in Congress for a separate proposal to sell 40 new F-16s to Turkey.
U.S. and Turkish officials are advocating for the F-16 deal, arguing that it could help restore U.S.-Turkish relations, which were dealt a severe blow after Ankara chose to buy S-400 from Russia. Some US congressmen, including senior Democrats in both houses of Congress, oppose the aircraft sale, citing objections to Ankara's ties with Russia and human rights concerns within Turkey.
The sale of AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, AIM-120 Amraam missiles, along with radar and other equipment, would cost Turkey more than $400 million, an official with knowledge of the proposal said.
The State Department "does not publicly confirm or comment on the proposed defense transfers until they are officially notified to Congress," a spokesman said, and theTurkish Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment either.
[/P]Source: Proto Thema
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