An important stage regarding the sale of F-16s to Turkey was completed as of yesterday, and the evaluation and objection process in Congress was successfully overcome.
A SENATOR’S OBJECTION WAS IGNORED
During the 15-day review and objection process, which started after the official notification sent by the US State Department to Congress on January 26, only the objection submitted to the Senate by Kentucky Senator Rand Paul was brought to the agenda.
While the bill submitted by Paul was referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, no action was taken regarding the bill there.
NO OBSTACLE LEFT
Thus, following the official notification of the US administration, the 15-day period in Congress ended last night US time, leaving no obstacle for the sale process to begin between the relevant institutions in accordance with the US Arms Export Control Act (AECA).
According to the AECA law, the period in question is 15 days for NATO member countries and 30 days for non-NATO countries.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee have the right to evaluate and, if any, object to arms sales to foreign countries. The foreign relations committees of both the Senate and the House of Representatives announced that they approved the sale of F-16s to Turkey in their statements on January 26, the day the notification was made.
70 AIRPLANES WERE REQUESTED
Turkey had requested 40 new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets and modernization kits for 79 aircraft in its inventory from the USA. Last year, some members of Congress removed additional articles stipulating the sale of F-16s from the US Department of Defense Budget bill.
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