Turkey’s search for fighter jets puts Biden in a bind

Source:Financial Times Date:14Oct2021

Great insight from Laura Pitel

The situation creates a bind for the Biden administration. Pressing for a green light to the F16 sale without any conditions would be seen by Turkey’s critics as unwarranted appeasement. But if the sale is rejected, Ankara will have found a ready-made excuse for turning to Russia. Deeper Turkish defence co-operation with Moscow would not serve Ankara’s interests. Not only would it be likely to trigger further US sanctions, it would also be damaging for the expanding domestic defence industry Erdogan himself has championed.