The United States has approved a potential sale of missiles worth $304 million to Turkey. The proposed sale includes advanced air-to-air missiles and support systems. The sale still requires final approval from the US Congress. According to Bloomberg, this development comes as both NATO allies work to reset strained relations and strengthen trade and military cooperation.
Rubio visits Turkey for NATO talks
The announcement comes at a time when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Turkey. He attended a meeting of NATO foreign ministers and is expected to travel to Istanbul next for possible talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials about a ceasefire.
Turkey has requested AIM-120C-8 and other missiles
According to the U.S. Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Turkey has requested 53 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) at a cost of $225 million and 60 Block II missiles, estimated at $79.1 million.
The bloomberg report, elaborates that RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies) will be the main contractor. The package includes not just missiles but also guidance systems, logistics and program support, spare parts and accessories, and technical and engineering services.
The DSCA emphasized that the sale will boost Turkey’s ability to defend its airspace and support US forces stationed there. It also noted that the sale would not alter the military balance in the region.
Turkey hoping to rejoin F-35 program
This arms deal, as per Bloomberg, is part of Turkey’s broader efforts to modernize its military. In 2019, Turkey purchased the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, which caused friction with Washington. As a result, the U.S. imposed sanctions under CAATSA and removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program.
Despite these setbacks, Turkey remains hopeful of rejoining the F-35 program. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed interest in meeting US President Donald Trump to resolve ongoing disputes.
PKK peace talks may boost US-Turkey relations
The PKK—a Kurdish militant group—announced plans to lay down arms. This could lead to the integration of Kurdish fighters into a new Syrian army. Both Turkey and the U.S. are discussing the future role of these groups in Syria’s stability.
Turkey and the US have the two largest armies in NATO. As the US draws down troops in Syria, Turkey has offered to deploy thousands of its soldiers to help maintain order.
Ankara is also ready to help monitor a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine across the Black Sea, aligning with U.S. interests in regional stability.
Turkey expecting energy and aviation deals
Turkey is also exploring increased imports of US liquefied natural gas and working on a possible order for Boeing aircraft. These economic discussions complement the growing defense cooperation.
Over the decades, Turkey has acquired a range of US military hardware, including F-16 fighter jets, Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, M60 tanks and M113 armored vehicles, naval ships, and refueling planes.