The Turkish Undersecretary for Defense Industries (SSM) has been authorized by the Defense Industry Executive Committee (SSIK) to place an order for the first two F-35 Lightning II joint strike-fighter (JSF) aircraft. The two block-3F configuration F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) fighters are scheduled to be supplied by Lockheed Martin, as part of a lot 10 low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract. In a statement, the SSM said that Turkey has closely followed the JSF programme, and ‘continues her forecast of the acquisition of 100 F-35A aircraft as planned and declared previously’.

9 May 2014 – airforce-technology.com