Paul, a member of the Senate's Committee on Foreign Relations, introduced a bipartisan resolution requesting congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale of certain defence products and services to Turkiye.
On January 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Defence announced a probable $23 billion Foreign Military Sale of 40 F-16 Block 70 aircraft, 79 modernisation kits, 48 F-110 Turbofan engines, 149 AN/APG-83 AESA radars, and several missile systems, including 952 AMRAAM AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles, 44 M61 Vulcan cannons, and several electronic warfare systems to Turkiye.
Following Turkiye's support for Sweden's NATO membership, the U.S. State Department issued formal approval and notified Congress. Senator Ben Cardin, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul both expressed support for the sale.
The United States Congress has a 15-day opportunity to study and potentially object to the pact reserved for NATO member states.
The Senator's objection comes amid broader discussions about U.S. alliances and the mechanics of strategic security, highlighting the ongoing debate within American official circles about the appropriate approach to international military support.
If the resolution gains traction, it might impact Turkiye's specific situation and how the United States considers and performs future arms sales to other countries.
The resolution is currently with the Committee on Foreign Relations for additional consideration, study, and debate on the geopolitical consequences of the arms transaction.
