The US State Department is in the early stages of examining Turkey’s request to purchase new F-16 fighter jets and upgrade its existing fleet. However, the State Department recognizes the role that Congress is called upon to play in this process and states that it is committed to enforcing the sanctions imposed on Turkey over its acquisition of Russian S-400s under the US Confrontation Act. Through Sanctions (CAATSA).
“The (Foreign) Ministry is aware that Turkey has submitted a Request Letter to the Ministry of Defense. The (Foreign) Ministry is in the early stages of considering the proposed sale, which requires notification to Congress if we approve it. “The State Department reaffirms its commitment to the standard defense trade licensing process, including congressional oversight and policy on the transfer of conventional weapons.”
The statement was made by a senior official from the State Department’s Office of Legislative Affairs, who responded to a letter sent by MP Chris Papas on the issue. As the US official notes in her letter, the US State Department consistently expresses at the highest level its strong opposition to Ankara’s decision to buy the S-400s. At the same time, he notes that the United States has stressed to Turkey the importance of using its military capabilities to strengthen NATO efforts and advance mutual goals.
“The State Department continues to express its strong disapproval of Ankara’s decision to acquire the S-400s and warns that further purchases of Russian military equipment could lead to additional sanctions. “The government continues to press Turkey to align its foreign policy with US and NATO targets,” the letter said.
In addition, the State Department official acknowledged that Turkey is a long-time NATO ally with whom the United States shares many strategic interests. “Ankara continues to make significant contributions to the Alliance’s missions, including most recently to Eastern Europe, the Balkans and Afghanistan,” he said. Turkey’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and defense co-operation is a major deterrent to bad influence in the region, and Turkey’s activities help many of our efforts in the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. “Despite the very real challenges in US-Turkish relations, Turkey remains an important ally, acting as both a bridge and an embankment in an ever-changing region.”
However, the letter points out that there are areas in which the State Department strongly disagrees, citing as an example that “Ankara’s involvement in some recent conflicts does not help and undermines regional security”.
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