MSB: Our expectation is that CAATSA sanctions will be lifted

Regarding F-35 procurement and CAATSA sanctions, the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) said, "As we have stated before, our expectation is to remove all direct or indirect restrictions on our defense industry through CAATSA sanctions that are incompatible with the spirit of alliance." expressions were used.

Following the weekly press briefing held at the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry made a statement regarding the questions of the press members.

In response to the question regarding the process regarding the military forces and capabilities that can be provided by Turkey to Saudi Arabia within the scope of the Mecca Defense Alliance, the Ministry said, "It will be carried out in accordance with the provisions of our Constitution and relevant legislation. In this context, the agreement must be approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the necessary authorization processes for sending the Turkish Armed Forces abroad must be completed." statement was made.

It was stated that the principles regarding the scope of the contribution that can be provided will be determined in line with the evaluations to be made by the relevant authorities and the agreement between the parties, taking into account the needs and demands of Saudi Arabia, developments in the field and operational needs.

F-35 PROCUREMENT AND CAATSA SANCTIONS

It was stated that contacts regarding the delivery of 6 F-35 warplanes produced for Türkiye are continuing with the US authorities.

The following statements were made by the Ministry regarding the subject:

"As we have stated before, our expectation is to remove all direct or indirect restrictions on our defense industry through CAATSA sanctions, which are incompatible with the spirit of alliance. We expect the process to result positively in line with our alliance relations and mutual interests."

C-130J SUPPLY

It was stated that the 12 C-130J aircraft supplied from England in order to meet the operational needs of the Air Forces Command will make a significant contribution to the air transport capability of the Turkish Armed Forces with their increased carrying capacity.

In the statement, it was stated that the maintenance, renovation and modification operations of the aircraft were carried out by the manufacturer in England, and the following was noted:

"These activities are monitored and controlled by our authorized Air Force Command personnel. After the aircraft are included in the inventory, flight, maintenance and repair activities will be carried out with our own means and capabilities. In this context, the training of our pilots, flight crew, maintenance personnel and engineers is planned to be completed by the end of 2026, and the first two aircraft are planned to be delivered in December 2026."