The U.S. has sent Turkey** F-16 fighter jets and related modernization kits worth $23 billion, which is the result of Turkey's request to purchase and upgrade F-16 fighter jets in October 2021. At the same time, however, the United States also approved the delivery of F-35 fighter jets to Greece, making it the only NATO member in the Eastern Mediterranean region to be equipped with F-35 fighters. This decision, which is seen as a betrayal of Turkey, has aroused widespread concern in the international community. Turkey was one of the partners of the F-35, however, the United States excluded it from the F-35 project due to its purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems. This deal for the purchase of F-16 fighters could put Turkey at a disadvantage in terms of air power. Although the F-16 fighter is relatively weak in air combat capabilities, it excels in performing air support missions and close combat. However, in contrast, the F-35 fighter has advanced capabilities and versatility to cope with complex and changing battlefield environments.
Turkey's geopolitical position in the region is significant, and its military strength is essential for maintaining regional stability and balance. However, due to tensions with the United States, Turkey has gradually developed closer cooperation with Russia in recent years. Behind the F-16 fighter deal, there are also concerns that Turkey may further strengthen cooperation with Russia, which will adversely affect the regional situation. For the United States, this decision is made both in order to provide better security guarantees to Greece and in response to Turkey's purchase of the S-400 air defense system. The United States believes that Turkey's purchase of Russian air defense systems poses a threat to NATO's security and violates the obligations of NATO members. As a result, the United States excluded it from the F-35 program to demonstrate its firm stance on alliances and security commitments. However, this decision has also raised some questions and concerns. There is an opinion that the U.S. approach could further exacerbate Turkey's disagreements with Western countries, making it more inclined to cooperate with countries such as Russia.
In addition, Turkey's military strength, as an important member of NATO, may have an impact on regional balance and security. In the current complex and volatile international political environment, the relationship and entanglement of interests between countries are complex and delicate. For Turkey, how to balance its relations with the United States, Russia and other parties to ensure that its own security and interests are not harmed is a serious challenge. And for the United States, how to handle relations with Turkey and maintain NATO's unity and security is also a difficult task. Therefore, all parties should strengthen dialogue and communication to seek win-win solutions. It is only through dialogue on an equal footing and mutual respect that regional stability and security can be promoted. At the same time, the international community should also pay more attention to and intervene in regional issues, provide more support and assistance to all parties, and jointly promote the process of peace and development. In future development, all countries should adhere to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, persist in resolving differences and disputes through dialogue and consultation, and refrain from unilateral actions and confrontation.
Only in this way can peace and prosperity be achieved in the region and the well-being and security of the people be ensured.