Alternatives to F-16 aircraft for Turkey: Ankara may opt for Chinese or Korean fighters

Now Turkey, as the American observer Paul Iddon notes, is paying a high price for the not so long ago purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems. Due to the acquisition of Russian air defense systems, a contract for the purchase of fifth-generation stealth fighters F-35 Lightning II was disrupted. However, Turkey really needs a fifth-generation combat-ready aircraft, so Ankara is thinking about alternative options.

There is a very high probability that Turkey will not even receive permission to purchase new F-16s, and accordingly, plans to modernize the huge fleet of F-16 fighters in service with the Turkish Air Force will be frustrated. True, the country's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan does not want to bend here either. He repeatedly reminded the United States that if Washington refuses Ankara, it will turn to Russia for Su-35 fighters.

However, the purchase of fighter jets from Russia will definitely be fraught with new problems for Turkey. This will cause even more dissatisfaction on the part of NATO. Therefore, it is possible that Erdogan will eventually lean towards alternative options. Among them is the purchase of Chinese or Korean-made fighters.

There is also the possibility of developing their own fighter in cooperation with Pakistan. Now Turkey has the TAI TF-X project, and Pakistan has the AZM PAC PF-X project. But none of them is yet at such a stage of development that would allow the creation of a new fifth-generation fighter in the foreseeable future.

Among the Chinese options, special attention should be paid to the JF-17, developed by China in cooperation with Pakistan. In 2022, the first such fighter will enter service with the Pakistan Air Force.

Turkey may also turn to China for the purchase of the Chengdu J-10C. The first such aircraft have already been ordered by Pakistan after India bought Rafale. However, buying a Chinese aircraft would only make sense for Turkey if it had no other alternatives at all.
There is another option - the acquisition of a fighter from South Korea. Seoul is currently working on a new fighter, the KF-21, which will be at the forefront of the 4,5 generation. Ten years ago, Ankara showed great interest in the project. After all, Turkey is already actively buying South Korean weapons.

In other words, military-technical cooperation between Ankara and Seoul has long been established, and the United States will not be against the purchase of a South Korean aircraft by Turkey, since South Korea is an important strategic partner of the United States. The only question is when Seoul will be able to expand production and start exporting a promising aircraft, and at a better price than European aircraft.

Unlike Russian and Chinese aircraft, the KF-21 will also be compatible with American and European missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder and MBDA Meteor, military experts say. Military analyst Abraham Ait believes that the South Korean aircraft has a very bright future and could become the best of its kind after American and Chinese aircraft.

Comments

[The leader of the Redskins]

In place of the Turks, I would wait a little to take Chinese fighters into service. There are too many nuances, and they are still "raw" ...

[Orel]

Quote: Leader of the Redskins

In place of the Turks, I would wait a little to take Chinese fighters into service. There are too many nuances, and they are still "raw" ...

Maybe we'll intervene. Turkey bought the S-400, and in Eastern Europe, many NATO countries have former weapons manufactured in the USSR. Therefore, the ban on purchases from Russia, this is not very convincing, in fact they can, of course, scold NATO, but they definitely won’t be able to kick it out, it’s not profitable for them.

[OgnennyiKotik]

The US does not have the ability to refuse to buy the F-16V. Turkey is forced to strengthen its Air Force, Egypt and Greece have seriously strengthened the Rafals. They can only buy fighters from the US or Britain. Therefore, it is logical to buy the F-16. Refusal will lead to a very serious crisis that no one needs.
The military-industrial complex of Turkey and South Korea are clearly cooperating more than they talk about it. If you look at the extreme projects, they are twin brothers. Can't tell without a signature.

[Thrifty]

They don’t sell the more expensive F35 to the Turks, and the Turks didn’t leave NATO, they didn’t break off relations with the United States! Erdogad is unpredictable, maybe the Su35 can really be bought for a simple reason - we, as always, will sell for our interest-free, irrevocable loan .. .and who will refuse a freebie???

[Charik]

Especially if you still don’t return it on credit, because the Turks will obviously fight against the Russian Federation.

[Lt. Air Force stock]

Quote: OgnennyiKotik

The US does not have the ability to refuse to buy the F-16V. Turkey is forced to strengthen its Air Force, Egypt and Greece have seriously strengthened the Rafals. They can only buy fighters from the US or Britain. Therefore, it is logical to buy the F-16. Refusal will lead to a very serious crisis that no one needs.

And what prevents them from buying Rafali from France? Greece bought the same planes.

[pytar]

And what prevents them from buying Rafali from France? Greece bought the same planes.

As far as I know, the Turks did not buy any weapons from France at all. Maybe for political reasons, France traditionally supports Armenia.

[OgnennyiKotik]

All this is poetry. The British-Turks are with France, if not in a state of "cold war", then at least very strong competition. They share spheres of influence in Africa, the Middle East, Transcaucasia and Central Asia. This is huge money. In the same Libya, they almost directly collided, the UAE Mirage 2000 (direct allies of France, I wouldn’t be surprised if the French were pilots) bombed the MIM-23 Hawk air defense of Turkey.

[Gregory F]

The French sold decommissioned corvettes of the Aviso 69 type, also known as D'Estienne D'Orv, to the Turks. But between the boats built in the 70s and the latest fighters, of course, there is a difference, this is understandable. Yes, and the French have already sold Rafali to the Greeks

[musketon64]

And what prevents them from buying Rafali from France?

The Turks have very big claims to the Franks regarding the recognition of the Armenian genocide. Adopted under pressure from a very influential Armenian lobby in France. They, the Armenians, most likely, will cut down such a deal.

[DienBienPhu]

Korean aircraft still use American engines and many components, Turkey does not want a headache like ATAK helicopters. China is not a bad choice, J-10C is very good.

[Constanty]

Among Chinese variants, special attention should be paid to JF-17, developed by China in cooperation with Pakistan. In 2022, the first such fighter will enter service with the Pakistan Air Force.

It must be some kind of mistake. The first JF-17s departed for Pakistan in 2007 and the first squadron, equipped with 14 JF-17 Block 1s (No. 26 Black Spiders), became operational on 18 February 2010.

Perhaps we are talking about FC-31 or J-20

[OgnennyiKotik]

No, they meant JF-17 Block 3. It has AFAR, more advanced electronic warfare systems, the ability to work with the entire range of bombs and missiles in China, including anti-ship missiles.

[Constanty]

Thank you for the clarification! In the version from the article, this looked like a mistake.

[VyacheSeymour]

It must be some kind of mistake. The first JF-17s departed for Pakistan in 2007 and the first squadron, equipped with 14 JF-17 Block 1s (No. 26 Black Spiders), became operational on 18 February 2010.

You are right, but according to Block1, there is a typo in the article.
At least 11 JF17 Block3s have already arrived in Pakistan and they will be put into service in 2022. In addition, until March 2022
25 pieces of J-10C of the new assembly should be put into service ...

[Seafood]

The FC-31 was not accepted into service in China itself, it seems to be still being developed. And the J-20 is not exported to anyone yet. Most likely we are talking about either JF-17 Block 3 or J-10C, which Pakistan purchased not so long ago.

[Constanty]

Yes - other users have already explained that it was about the JF-17 Block 3, although you can find information that Pakistan is also interested in receiving 30 to 40 FC-31 aircraft.

[smart fellow]

The Chinese will not sell the J-20 to the Turks and to no one at all. The J-10 was only recently allegedly offered to Pakistan and maybe Iran. At the same time, the first J-10s have already begun to be written off. China has enough money not to sell everything they can buy from them.

[75 Sergey]

And what are our prospects for the Su-57, how many full-fledged aircraft will we be able to produce in 2022?

[Thrifty]

75 Sergey-two was recently delivered to the Center for Combat Use, which means that by the end of 22, our military should receive from 6 to 8 vehicles. 2 of them are for the last year, under the contract 4 and have given so far 2!

[Lt. Air Force stock]

Quote: Thrifty

75 Sergey-two was recently delivered to the Center for Combat Use, which means that by the end of 22, our military should receive from 6 to 8 vehicles. 2 of them are for the last year, under the contract 4 and have given so far 2!

It is important to bring the Su-30SM to SM2 faster through modernization. It is unlikely that there will be a significant number of Su 57s in the near future.

[75 Sergey]

It's kind of shitty.
If they didn't, they would have said so. We would have one regiment, at least, in all parts of the world for a start.

[TermNachTer]

All this is interesting and in some places even sentimental))) but firstly, the Korean airplane is still only "on paper". When will he go into the series and whether he will go at all. And there are two more prime recipients - Korea itself and Indonesia. Secondly, the engines there are mattresses, whether the Washington Reich Chancellery will allow the re-export of engines is a big question. The purchase of Chinese aircraft will also not meet with understanding in Fashingtonsk, so, "wherever you throw it, a wedge is everywhere." Erdogan has painted himself into a corner.

[75 Sergey]

He has not driven himself anywhere, he is not going to fight with NATO, but for his affairs and what he has, he will have enough.
So, he has time... Unlike us.

[TermNachTer]

Even without NATA, he has enemies "a wagon and a small cart."

[75 Sergey]

His enemies walk the earth on foot.

[V means B]

At one time, they seem to have banned the export of "kfir" to Israel due to the fact that their engines were there.

[Kesha1980]

With Turkish inflation and the expected fall of the lira by another 30-40%, only on credit. "No treasury." They are not up to the 5th generation aircraft now - all the money will go to support internal well-being. And the "allies of the Turkic world" also love financial attention. Georgia alone eats so much in Turkish investments, it is necessary to reduce the "chairs under the seat."

[Pandiurin]

Quote: Kesha1980

With Turkish inflation and the expected fall of the lira by another 30-40%, only on credit. "No treasury." They are not up to the 5th generation aircraft now - all the money will go to support internal well-being. And the "allies of the Turkic world" also love financial attention. Georgia alone eats so much in Turkish investments, it is necessary to reduce the "chairs under the seat."

You are absolutely right about the Turkish economy. But one should not underestimate Erdogan, he simply cannot kick without realizing plans for the great Turkistan. Aircraft from this point of view are necessary. Again, he is, as it were, a mega-leader who has quite a lot of support precisely because he is actively implementing these plans. He will give up the great Turkistan, lose the support of the same stubborn patriots, the economy will not improve from this, other adequate Turks will not support him either.

He only has the option to move on the same course.
They have already paid part of the money for the F35 to the United States, the money is stuck.

Two options will negotiate with the US for F16 or refund.
The method of pressure on the USA, the Injerlik base.

[bovi]

So the fact of the matter is that Edya raises the question about airplanes, although his money, which is frozen, worries. They defiantly show him that it’s not a good idea to put ultimatums and by buying c400 he closed his access to the master’s body.
Erdogan will not be able to buy anything with his own, so there are only one prospects for this tryndez - he will wipe himself off and remain with nothing. Not my conclusion, but I share: after the events in Kazakhstan, our Eda needs to wrap up with the "Great Turan" - beyond his strength, and this is noticeable. And it has become noticeable that British ears are burdening Erdogan's policy. In short, it is time for Turkey to pay for the adventures of the leader.

[Kaufman]

look at our inflation. For rising prices. The dollar is already 80. The lira then won back after the jump, while we traditionally only go up.

[Kesha1980]

Compare the lira exchange rate for the last year. Sometimes it helps to first verify the information.

[Kaufman]

compare with the ruble? I'm aware of Lyra's hesitation. 13 Lira per dollar, reached 18,5 then dropped.
compare if there is a desire to change the prices of gasoline, food, cars and equipment for a couple of years in Turkey and in our country.
and for a second - they have neither oil nor gas, nor forests, nor such a crop area.

[Kesha1980]

In my opinion, everything is obvious with the exchange rate of the lira for the year, the devaluation by half (the ruble floats 70-80, today it has strengthened due to the slowdown in the budget rule).
I understand the ratio of the Turkish economy to Turkey's Wishlist of fighters. But I don’t understand the ratio of the Russian ruble to the subject of the article.

[Mavrikiy]

However, the purchase of fighter jets from Russia will definitely be fraught with new problems for Turkey.

When did this stop Erdogan?

This will cause even more dissatisfaction on the part of NATO.

"Yes, and the dog is with them" Look at the Greeks or the Bulgarians? ..... "and other Swedes" Therefore, it is possible that Erdogan will eventually lean towards alternative options. Among them is the purchase of fighters Chinese or Korean made. Will a Chinese NATO plane be greeted with cries of joy? The Korean version is the closest.

[VSO-396]

Everything, the topic is closed, the Turks will be given the F-35.

[TermNachTer]

As the unforgettable Ostap Ibragimovich used to say: "About a dead donkey - ears"))) the topic with the F - 35 is closed for the Turks, perhaps even to their happiness. The airplane is painfully dubious.

[aslan balaev]

Quote: VSO-396

Everything, the topic is closed, the Turks will be given the F-35.

the Americans seem to agree on the supply of F 16. Regarding the F35, there will be new negotiations one of these days. The Turkish delegation has already flown to w-tone.

[Magmax]

Well they don't have much choice. because only USA F 16 18 35 Russian Federation Sukhoi MIG China Germany and EU Eurofighter France Mirage Rafale and South Korea FA21 and fa 50 vith US license produce jet fighteres or make theie own planes.

[Magmax]

i forget the swedish grippen

[Victor Tsenin]

>After all, Turkey is already actively buying South Korean weapons.

This moment is not clear - what exactly? Are you talking about the participation of the RUK in the Altai project?

[aslan balaev]

Quote: Victor Tsenin

>After all, Turkey is already actively buying South Korean weapons.

This moment is not clear - what exactly? Are you talking about the participation of the RUK in the Altai project?

We can only talk about military-technical cooperation. There is no active purchase.

[Victor Tsenin]

What is the BTC? Electronics, engines?
I am asking because I have never heard of agreements or contracts between the TR and the RUK.

[GUARD]

Well, actually, I don’t see any giveaways in selling F16 to the Turks. The Yankees never mind making money, especially an ally. Well, if this happens_ failure, then why not buy a SU35, or a MIG 35, the second one is more suitable to replace the F16. After all, they have mastered the C400, why don't we earn more?

[Denis812]

Well, yes ... Precisely because "the Yankees never mind making money", these very Yankees did not sell the "patriot" to the Turks, which led to the Turks buying the C400.
Don't overestimate the meaning of the word "ally" to Americans.
We were also allies for them in World War II, but until the Americans realized that the Soviets themselves would cut Hitler up a little more, they did not take action on EuroTVD.

[GUARD]

I say, let the Turks be denied more often. We profit.

[Denis812]

This is yes.
Ideally, of course, in general, for the Turks to attack Greece.
Or vice versa.
Or left NATO.

Eh... it's a good dream :)

[neurostimulator]

Who came up with the idea of ​​arming the Turks? Has anyone even looked at Erdogan up close? If they are armed to the end, they will not sit still - they will come again .. for land and water ... and Tsar Leonid "will turn over in his grave." All this is sad.

[Seafood]

If the US refuses to sell the F-16 to Turkey, then why would anyone think they would allow the Koreans to sell the KF-21? They have American engines. Plus, where did you get the idea that Turkey's purchase of Chinese fighters (J-10C - because JF-17 from a different weight category in general) will not lead to US dissatisfaction?

[Tank jacket]

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's response to a journalist's question about a Bloomberg publication that suggested there were some behind-the-scenes negotiations between Moscow and Beijing on "non-invasion of Ukraine during the Olympic Games":
 
"The Chinese Foreign Ministry has paid attention to the material you are talking about. This false article in every way is not only a slander and provocation aimed at undermining Sino-Russian relations, but also interference, sabotage of the Beijing Olympic Games. But such disgusting speculation cannot deceive the world community.
 
I would like to emphasize that the Sino-Russian relations at the present stage are mature, stable and sustainable, our countries maintain close cooperation at all levels. Any attempts to undermine mutual trust between the two states, to alienate us from each other are futile.
 
At the same time, being supporters and adherents of the Olympic spirit, China and Russia consistently oppose the politicization of sports and will not succumb to the provocations of some international forces.
 
Preparations for the Winter Olympics in Beijing have entered the final stage. There is no doubt that we will be able to provide the world with inclusive, safe and exciting Games. We are also confident that visits to Beijing by foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be as successful as possible."
The American agency Bloomberg, which published a fake that the President of China allegedly asked the President of Russia “not to attack Ukraine during the Olympics,” did not ask the Russian side for comments when preparing the material.

Perhaps you think that Bloomberg has a lot to do, little time and no contacts to find an opportunity to double-check the words of the “unnamed diplomat” who gave them this “scoop”?

And you will be wrong. The American agency Bloomberg has 24 correspondents and 3 technical staff in Moscow. They regularly communicate with representatives of Russian government agencies and business structures.

But when it comes to throwing misinformation, Bloomberg is denied the "gold standard" of quality journalism.

I wonder when the Bloomberg fake report will appear on the State Department website?

[Tomcat_Tomcat]

Alternatives to the F-16 aircraft for Turkey

yes there is no alternative. They will sell the States to them "Vipers", they will not go anywhere.
But Erdogan's words for the purchase of the Su-35 or Su-57, or any other Russian aircraft, are populism and an attempt to put pressure on Washington, nothing more. Well, the possible contenders named in the article are not serious. There is no Korean car yet, the Chinese one is a dark horse, and will the Chinese want to sell it to the Turks? The Turks have a lot tied up with American weapons. And the F-16 fleet, and its own production and modernization, as well as dreams of their own aircraft, in which, again, they want to use American engines - therefore, there is a reason to cooperate with Washington.
Even Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar recently said that negotiations with the United States on the F-16 were positive.

Official requests were made for the supply and modernization of new F-16s. After that, a delegation went to the USA, the negotiations were positive. We have made our position clear. They explained that this would help strengthen NATO. If Turkey is strong, it is strong in NATO. Turkey's strength is NATO's strength

The United States does not benefit from the weakening of Turkey against the background of its neighbors. Nobody excluded Turkey from NATO and is not going to do it. If the F-35 went on principle, then there is no such problem with the Vipers.

[Sanichsan]

Quote from Tomcat_Tomcat

then with "Vipers" there is no such problem.

ugh .. already half a year gone .. rather, as it is

[Bessik]

Erdogan, what about the Uighurs? Even though it's clear.)

[Red_Graphic]

Well, I don’t know ... Is there a minus from the fact that there will be no AN / APG-80 or its analogue. What is the advantage of AFAR? In greater noise immunity and reliability. And today, the PFAR Su 35 is more reliable and noise-immune than the AFAR f16

[Charik]

in generation 4,5, what is the advanced generation in 4,6439763? And the first generation is when-18 .. year?