Turkey Makes Record Arms Purchase from the US in 2024

turkey - Turkey seals the highest-value arms deal of 2024, purchasing F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits worth $23 billion from the US.

US Arms Sales Surge

According to the US Department of State, US military equipment sales to foreign countries increased by 29% last year, reaching $318.7 billion. Sales to foreign countries through the US government surged by 45.7%, hitting a record $117.9 billion. The spike is attributed to Western countries increasing their arms stockpiles for aiding Ukraine and the global conflict environment. The US Department of State described these arms sales and transfers as significant foreign policy tools with long-term potential impacts on regional and global security.

Turkey's Arms Deals

Turkey secured the highest-value arms deal of 2024 by purchasing F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits worth $23 billion from the US. Following Turkey, Israel made an $18.8 billion deal for F-15 purchases, and Romania signed a $7.2 billion agreement for F-35 purchases.