Turkey has ordered a second batch of F-35s. This is what was communicated by the Defense Industry Executive Commission, the highest Turkish authority in the field of procurement. Under the JSF program, Turkey has committed to purchase a total of 116 Joint Strike Fighters. Ankara placed its first order in 2014, framed in the tenth lot in low-rate initial production: the first F-35 is expected to be delivered in 2018. Turkey, by 2023, is expected to put into service a new fighter and support fleet tactical, based on two platforms: a pure indigenous fighter known as the Tai TFX and the F-35. Turkey plans to purchase at least 250 aircraft for the Tai TFX.
In October 2014, Lockheed Martin signed a contract with the Turkish company Roketsan to manufacture cruise missiles according to the Lightning II specifications. Roketsan, founded in 1988, has been participating in NATO programs for years. The weapon system of Roketsan and Lockheed Martin is the J version of the SOM high-precision cruise missile. The SOM-J can be transported in the internal hold of the F-35 so as not to alter the RCS, radar cross section, of the aircraft.
(Photo: Lockheed Martin)
