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Türkiye is reassessing the F-35 fighter jet process in line with the country's interests and defense needs while continuing coordinated procurement of F-16 Block 70 aircraft with U.S. counterparts, Defense Minister Yasar Guler told the Turkish Parliament on Thursday.
"The process regarding F-16 Block 70 aircraft procurement continues in a coordinated manner with our U.S. counterparts. The relevant process, including F-35, is being reassessed in line with our country's interests and defense needs," Guler said during his ministry's 2026 budget presentation to the General Assembly.
The Turkish Defense Minister recalled that Türkiye signed a contract with the United Kingdom in October for 20 new Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft, along with equipment and various munitions.
"The Eurofighter procurement will enable us to further increase our air superiority capability and joint operation effectiveness in a short time thanks to the rapid delivery advantage," Guler said.
"I would like to emphasize that the unit costs of these aircraft are at the same levels as other countries included in the Eurofighter production consortium, and a significant portion of the contract value consists of munitions and mission equipment," he noted.
Defense Minister Guler also reminded that Türkiye's inclusion among the architects of the permanent ceasefire process in Gaza is "the most concrete indicator of our country's sincere effort to establish peace in the region."
"Türkiye, as one of the actors that played a constructive role in the signing of the Gaza Declaration, is ready to take responsibility in every step that will ensure peace and stability, both in delivering humanitarian aid to the region without interruption and in monitoring the ceasefire on the ground," he said.
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Guler said Türkiye sincerely desires to resolve issues with Greece "on the basis of good neighborliness within the framework of international law and equity" and to develop the current positive dialogue environment.
"However, I would like to underline that while keeping the door of diplomacy and goodwill open, we do not and will not tolerate efforts to create unilateral fait accompli in the region and initiatives that ignore our country's rights and interests," Guler said.
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