Title: Turkey is bad: You have to step on a mine to buy a fighter?
Turkish fighter jets are "at the end of the road": China's "Thunder" or the last straw?
Recently, Turkey's fighter jet procurement has been in turmoil. The regional power has not introduced new fighters for eight years since it received its last F-16 fighter jets in 2015. The F-35A fighter jets originally planned to be purchased were kicked out of the procurement list by the United States due to the purchase of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems, and relations between the two countries have also suffered a certain breakdown. Now, it is almost impossible for Turkey to rejoin the F-35 procurement list.
This is a rather dangerous signal for Turkey, because it is not only about maintaining its own glory as an "Ottoman Empire", but more importantly to maintain its combat effectiveness. Therefore, for almost a year or two, Turkey has been frantically lobbying everywhere in an attempt to procure some new fighters.
First, Turkey tried to convince the United States to make a significant upgrade of its existing F-16 fighters. Despite the poor relations with the United States, Turkey, in order to maintain its combat effectiveness, had to whisper to the United States to ask for an upgrade of the F-16. But the United States still refuses orders related to the S-400 air defense system, leaving Turkey in a helpless position.
Secondly, Turkey seeks to find a temporary transition option in Europe, hoping to purchase European Typhoon fighters. But due to a number of reasons, the most important of which was the refusal of Germany, which made Turkey face even more difficulties. Despite the fact that Turkey and Germany belong to the same NATO countries, there are clear differences in the positions of the two sides.
In addition to this, the procurement of fighter jets such as Rafale and Gripen has also been subject to many restrictions and obstacles, resulting in Turkey almost unable to obtain new fighters from other countries.
Nevertheless, Turkey has an alternative: to consider the purchase of Thunder fighters jointly produced by China and Pakistan. Recently, it was reported that Turkey is considering purchasing the JF-17 Thunder, although it is uncertain whether it will be finalized. Why has the "Thunder" become the most reliable choice in Turkey at present?The key lies in Turkey's relations with Pakistan, especially Pakistan's participation in Turkey's TF-X fighter development program.
However, this has also raised a series of questions and concerns, especially in the procurement of Chinese equipment, and Turkey's credibility has been a matter of concern.
All in all, Turkey's dilemma in procuring fighter jets is complex. The country wants to maintain its military power, but it is in a political and diplomatic dilemma. China's "Thunder" fighter may be the last choice, but the risks and challenges behind it cannot be ignored. Turkey's future fighter procurement will continue to be constrained and tested in many ways.