Article Posted on : - May 25, 2011

The F-16 fighters of Turkish Air Force. A file photo

ANKARA (BNS): Turkey has unveiled 30 advanced versions of the F-16 multi-role fighter jets which it has co-produced with the US.

The new block 50 variant of the F-16 Falcon fighters were unveiled by the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Lockheed Martin during an official ceremony at the Turkish capital in Ankara on Monday.

Turkish Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul and Turkish Air Force Chief Lt. Gen. Abidin Ünal were among those who attended the ceremony. US government and defence officials were also present on the ocassion.

Turkey and Lockheed Martin had inked a $1.8 billion deal in 2007 for the 30 advanced warplanes.

The block 50 variant of F-16, with high level of manoeuvrability, can fly at a speed of 2,124km/h. It can detect planes flying at very low altitudes.

The 30 new jets will be handed over to the Turkish Air Force between May 2011 and December 2012, TAI said.

The Turkish Air Force presently operates over 200 F-16 fighters.