USA (bbabo.net), - The US State Department has approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets, upgrade kits and other systems to Turkey worth about $23 billion.

This was reported by the Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) under the US Department of Defense, which is responsible for the supply of American military equipment abroad.

It follows from the report that, in accordance with Ankara's request, the terms of the deal include the supply of 40 new F-16s, the modernization of 79 existing fighters, as well as the acquisition of spare parts and various systems for them, including navigation and communications.

“The proposed delivery meets U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the military capabilities and air interoperability of a NATO ally that is important to political and economic stability in Europe,” the agency said in a statement.

The deal must now be approved by Congress. The White House administration has already notified congressmen of the State Department's decision, giving the legislature 30 days to consider this possible deal.

The DSCA also announced the State Department’s decision to supply Greece with American F-35 fighter jets and related equipment worth $8.6 billion.

Earlier, bbabo.net reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved the ratification of Sweden's application to join NATO. In Stockholm itself this event was called a “key milestone”.

bbabo.Net