F-16 Sales to Turkey Go Ahead as US Senate Overrules Opposition
The US Senate on Thursday decisively voted down a resolution aimed at halting the $23 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits to Turkey. This move comes after the Biden Administration endorsed the sale, which was seen as a key incentive for Turkey’s approval of Sweden joining the NATO alliance.
With a vote of 79 to 13, the Senate dismissed the resolution introduced by Republican Senator Rand Paul, who had voiced concerns over Turkey’s government and its potential emboldenment from the arms deal. However, proponents of the sale emphasized the importance of maintaining a commitment to a NATO ally.
This decision followed the Biden Administration’s formal notification to Congress on January 26 about proceeding with the sale, which includes 40 Lockheed Martin F-16s and nearly 80 modernization kits. The notification came one day after Turkey ratified Sweden’s NATO membership, ending a months-long impasse partly due to Turkey’s objections to Sweden’s accession.
The US Arms Export Control Act allows Congress the power to veto major arms sales, yet no disapproval resolution has successfully passed both Congressional chambers and overcome a presidential veto in the law’s 50-year history.
The inclusion of Sweden and Finland in NATO, sought in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, marks a significant expansion of the alliance. While Finland’s membership was confirmed last year, Sweden’s application faced delays due to reservations from Turkey and Hungary. NATO’s rules require unanimous approval from existing members for new countries to join the alliance.
