Donald Trump’s second term is reshaping global equations. He has not only reignited trade wars and cut foreign aid, but also made sharp diplomatic shifts, including backing Gaza aid, warming to Russia, and resuming military trade with Turkey, among others.
The US government approved a potential sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Turkey last week, including 53 missiles and six guidance systems, along with spares, containers, software, and technical support. The AMRAAM system is known for its range, accuracy, and ability to engage multiple targets.
The US defence security cooperation agency (DSCA) said the sale supports US foreign policy and strengthens Nato by improving Turkey’s ability to defend itself and US forces stationed there.
The announcement comes as Turkey supported Pakistan against India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror bases in Pakistan. After meeting Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Turkey PM Erdogan called for "international engagement" on Kashmir and a “human rights-based resolution.” This was followed by backlash from Indian merchants, businesses, and consumers who called for severing relations with Turkey. Turkey's continued support for Pakistan in multilateral forums has strained the relations between Turkey and India.
Supplying Turkey with sophisticated US weaponry could potentially embolden Ankara’s military posture, indirectly affecting India’s security environment, given Turkey’s close ties with Pakistan and involvement in regional conflicts.
Turkey's purchase of US missiles is also important, especially considering the past friction between the two allies. In 2019, Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile system, which led to US sanctions and Turkey’s removal from the F-35 fighter jet programme. Relations have been uneasy since, with Turkey continuing to press for its re-entry into the programme.
Despite political disagreements, especially over Syria and US support for Kurdish forces, Turkey remains heavily reliant on US defence technology. Its military uses American fighter jets, tanks, helicopters, and naval equipment. The AMRAAM sale is a continuation of this dependency.
The US government approved a potential sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Turkey last week, including 53 missiles and six guidance systems, along with spares, containers, software, and technical support. The AMRAAM system is known for its range, accuracy, and ability to engage multiple targets.
The US defence security cooperation agency (DSCA) said the sale supports US foreign policy and strengthens Nato by improving Turkey’s ability to defend itself and US forces stationed there.
The announcement comes as Turkey supported Pakistan against India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror bases in Pakistan. After meeting Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Turkey PM Erdogan called for "international engagement" on Kashmir and a “human rights-based resolution.” This was followed by backlash from Indian merchants, businesses, and consumers who called for severing relations with Turkey. Turkey's continued support for Pakistan in multilateral forums has strained the relations between Turkey and India.
Supplying Turkey with sophisticated US weaponry could potentially embolden Ankara’s military posture, indirectly affecting India’s security environment, given Turkey’s close ties with Pakistan and involvement in regional conflicts.
Turkey's purchase of US missiles is also important, especially considering the past friction between the two allies. In 2019, Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile system, which led to US sanctions and Turkey’s removal from the F-35 fighter jet programme. Relations have been uneasy since, with Turkey continuing to press for its re-entry into the programme.
Despite political disagreements, especially over Syria and US support for Kurdish forces, Turkey remains heavily reliant on US defence technology. Its military uses American fighter jets, tanks, helicopters, and naval equipment. The AMRAAM sale is a continuation of this dependency.
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