Gomig-21
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When? The Senate hasn't approved anything like that yet.
Last I learned it wasn't a "modernization of the entire fleet to block-70 standards," but rather a negotiating request by Turkiye with the US to purchase 80 Viper modernization packages to upgrade the Block 50s only (which I guess is 80 jets) AND it's also looking to purchase another 40 new F-16 Block 70s. So the level should be at the most right at the Viper and/or block 70 standard.
I would like the opinion of some experts on this comment @F-22Raptor @Hamartia Antidote @Deino @FuturePAF @gambit @James David @That Guy @White and Green with M/S @Ali_Baba @CallSignMaverick @Gomig-21
Well I'm no expert but I think @Faceless pretty much nailed all the details. The only thing I'll add is the TuAF has roughly a total of 270 F-16s but the OZGUR modernization is ONLY for the older block 30 aircraft in the fleet since those are the only ones Turkiye has the source codes for.
And from what I see, it's mostly software upgrades that would bring them on par with Vipers at best with some hardware. But whatever local weapons are being integrated, as Faceless says, it's almost impossible to match US made weapons systems let alone surpass them. AN/APG 83 SABR radars, AIM-260, AIM-9X and even the Royal Bahraini Air Force has bought the F-16V block-72 with the APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam (SABR) AESA Radar. Taiwan is or already has bought 60+ block 70 Vipers with all sorts of latest weaponry.
Speaking of weapons, all these latest configurations can carry JSOW CMs and a lot of other goodies that the US is waaaaay ahead of everyone else in.
Not to unfairly take away from this Turkish upgrade and possible new purchase as it'll be quite potent, but to label it the best out there because of the OZGUR upgrade on only the block-30s is a bit of a stretch IMO.
What's so special about a data link, infact you would be relying on American sats for this data link
I would've figured the Turkish F-16s that are tasked with NATO responsibilities are already operating in Link-16 since that's pretty much what all NATO aircraft are using for in-house coms and real-time tactical imagery data etc. Sounds like they're adding their block-30s into the mix with the rest of them.
The proposed Indian F-21 seemed like it might've had the potential to best the rest from what I remember.
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