The Biden administration needs to promote Turkey aviation software program upgrades for its present fleet of F-16 fighter plane in a deal valued at $259 million. The White House this week notified Congress of its intent to shut the deal.

The deal would assist carry Turkey’s F-16s as much as NATO requirements and enhance its potential to function alongside allies, in accordance with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

“The proposed sale will improve Turkey’s capability to meet current and future threats and assist in defending its homeland and U.S. personnel there,” the DSCA stated in a press release. “The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”

If the deal goes by means of, it is going to be the primary main army sale to Turkey that Congress has authorized in years.

Turkey’s request to purchase billions of {dollars} price of F-16s stays in limbo amid persevering with opposition in Congress over numerous Turkish insurance policies, together with most just lately Ankara’s balking at assist for Sweden’s admittance into NATO. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Sweden of harboring opponents of his regime. Lawmakers in Washington stated they might maintain up the sale till he modifies his place.

If authorized, the sale will embrace {hardware} and software program upgrades and assist, tools, coaching, spare elements, and technical and logistical assist providers. Fort Worth, Tex.-based Lockheed Martin would be the principal contractor, officers stated.

“There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale,” DSCA officers stated.

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