The attempt to deliver F-16 fighter-bombers and air defense systems to Turkey has been rejected during negotiations between the United States and Turkey in Washington. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) proposed a resolution in Congress that would prohibit the US military from supplying Turkey with new F-16 fighter jets, related equipment, and weapons. This would also prevent the modernization of Turkey’s existing military technology, which includes an Armenian component. However, the resolution has faced opposition, with only 13 members out of 79 supporting it. As a result, the consideration of the resolution in the Senate regarding the Armenian issue is highly unlikely.

The US administration previously announced on January 23 that it intended to sell F-16 fighters to Turkey for $23 million, along with equipment for their modernization and other systems. The conversation revolved around supplying Turkey with 40 new F-16s, including a total of 79 upgraded aircraft already in their arsenal, as well as spare parts and various systems such as navigation and communication. US law stipulates a 30-day notification to Congress in case the American military does not meet the conditions outlined in the contract for the purchase of weaponry and military technology. Such a decision requires approval from both the House and the Senate, and the US President holds veto power, which would require support from two-thirds of both chambers of Congress to override.

Investigations by Congress revealed that discussions regarding the imposition of sanctions on Turkey did not take place. Despite the ongoing resolution, it remains uncertain whether there will be any significant consequences for Turkey’s military cooperation with the United States.