U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Jeff Flake, expressed expectations that President Erdogan would soon approve Sweden’s NATO membership, paving the way for prompt U.S. Congressional endorsement of a $20 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Ankara.
Following Turkey’s parliament’s recent ratification of Sweden’s NATO bid, Erdogan’s signature on the legislation is the next crucial step. Once completed, the formal ratification document will be conveyed to Washington, prompting the U.S. State Department to notify Congress of the proposed F-16 sale.
Flake, a former U.S. Republican senator, conveyed his belief that Turkey would not delay, stating, “I see no reason why, with the parliament having acted here, that Turkey would wait.” He anticipated the process unfolding within days once the necessary documents reach Washington.
The U.S. Congress and Erdogan had previously linked Turkey’s backing of Sweden’s NATO bid with the approval of the Lockheed Martin F-16 sale, and President Joe Biden has informed key Capitol Hill committees of his intent to initiate the formal notification process once Ankara finalizes Sweden’s NATO accession.
Sweden’s bid to join NATO, initiated in 2022 amid concerns about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, faced delays due to objections from Turkey regarding Sweden’s perceived support for groups it deemed as terrorists. Ankara’s reservations led to Stockholm implementing a new security law. Throughout the process, Flake noted that Sweden addressed Turkey’s “very legitimate security needs.”
Flake, who has been in communication with key committees in the U.S. House and Senate, acknowledged the concerns of some members regarding human rights records and delays in Sweden’s NATO bid. However, he emphasized the broader value of Turkey’s participation in NATO and the benefits of interoperability associated with the F-16 modernization.
As the geopolitical puzzle unfolds, the U.S. anticipates a timely resolution that aligns the interests of NATO members and strengthens regional security cooperation.