“We hope the program will be completed without issues until the last aircraft is delivered,” said the Turkish Defense Minister

Türkiye is satisfied with its agreement with the United States regarding the procurement of F-16 Block-70 fighter jets and modernization kits, and the process is proceeding according to schedule, said Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler in a written interview with Reuters.

“We hope that the program will be completed without any issues until the last aircraft is delivered,” the Turkish Minister stated, while also clarifying that Türkiye is interested in acquiring Eurofighter jets from the UK, Spain, and Germany, though there has been no specific development yet.

Regarding the possibility of Ankara rejoining the F-35 production program, Yaşar Güler stated that the approach of both Ankara and Washington remains unchanged, but discussions are ongoing.

Yaşar Güler also mentioned that Türkiye expects the new NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to demonstrate a balanced approach among the allies.

On the relationship between his country and NATO, given Ankara’s moves to strengthen ties with Eastern countries, the Turkish Defense Minister stated that Turkey wants to improve its relations with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, but its priority is to fulfill its responsibilities towards NATO as a significant ally.

“Our priority as a significant ally is to fulfill our obligations to NATO and strengthen solidarity with our allies. Our focus should be on ensuring that NATO is prepared, determined, and strong,” said Yaşar Güler.

Regarding the dominant issue in Türkiye concerning developments in Syria, he stated that “a ministerial-level meeting between Türkiye Syria could take place within the framework of efforts to normalize relations if the appropriate conditions are created.”

Türkiye had previously been trying to arrange a summit between Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Bashar al-Assad. However, Damascus initially set the condition of withdrawing Turkish military forces from northern Syria for the meeting to take place. Later, the Syrian president stated that he could meet with President Erdoğan only if the withdrawal of the Turkish army from Syria was on the agenda.

Türkiye could discuss coordination for withdrawal from Syria only after a new Constitution is accepted, elections are held, and borders are secured, said Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler in an interview with Reuters.