In a significant move, the Biden administration has given its nod to the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkiye after the Turkish government ratified Sweden's NATO membership earlier this week. This decision marks a notable step in the expansion of the alliance, which has gained increased importance following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Late on Friday, the State Department informed Congress about its approval of the $23 billion sale of F-16s to Turkiye, alongside an $8.6 billion deal for advanced F-35 fighter jets to Greece. This decision swiftly followed Turkiye's submission of its "instrument of ratification" for Sweden's NATO accession to Washington, which serves as the repository for alliance documents, and after key members of Congress withdrew their objections.

The sale to Turkiye comprises 40 brand-new F-16s and equipment to upgrade 79 of its existing F-16 fleet. Meanwhile, the sale to Greece includes 40 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters along with associated equipment.

Long-standing NATO ally Turkiye has been eager to enhance its F-16 fleet and had conditioned its approval of Sweden's membership on the clearance of the new aircraft sale. Although the Biden administration backed the sale, several lawmakers, citing human rights concerns, had raised objections.

These objections, notably from the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), have now been addressed, officials confirmed.

In a statement on Friday, Cardin expressed lingering concerns about Turkiye's rights record but stated that he had consented to the sale based on Turkiye's commitments to improve it. He emphasized anticipation for a new chapter in the U.S.-Turkiye relationship, the expansion of the NATO alliance, and collaboration with global allies against ongoing Russian aggression toward its neighboring nations.

Turkiye had prolonged its endorsement of Sweden's NATO membership for over a year, ostensibly due to its perception that Sweden didn't adequately address Turkiye's national security concerns, including its efforts against Kurdish militants and other groups deemed security threats by Ankara.

The delays had caused frustration among the U.S. and other NATO allies, most of whom swiftly embraced both Sweden and Finland into the alliance after the Nordic states relinquished their long-standing military neutrality following Russia's Ukraine invasion in February 2022.

Sweden's formal entry into NATO now awaits approval from Hungary, the sole remaining NATO ally yet to endorse its membership. U.S. and NATO officials anticipate swift action from Hungary, especially following Turkiye's decision.
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