Statement from the Ministry of National Defense on F-16s and F-35s: 'Negotiations are ongoing for modernization activities to be carried out in our country...'

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has made statements regarding the modernization and procurement of F-16s. Evaluations were also provided concerning the F-35 process.

STATEMENT ON F-16 AND F-35

The highlights of the statement are as follows:

"(Regarding F-16s) Our negotiations are ongoing for the modernization activities and the production processes of the aircraft to be procured to be carried out in our country.

There is no change in the stance of either country regarding the F-35.

In the last week, 253 individuals attempting to cross our borders illegally have been apprehended. Among those apprehended, 8 are members of terrorist organizations.

Including northern Iraq and Syria, 39 terrorists have been neutralized in the last week; since January 1, 2024, a total of 398 terrorists have been neutralized, 151 of whom were in northern Iraq and 247 in northern Syria.

Various bilateral meetings have been held with the Central Iraqi Government, the KRG, and Iraqi Turkmen Front authorities regarding the interests of Iraqi Turkmens in the region.”