Full Breakdown
US Approves F/A-18 Sale to Australia Amid Turkey Engine Deal
6/26/2026, 2:03:26 PM
US State Department Approves F/A-18 Sale to Australia
The US State Department announced on Thursday its intent to sell F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jets and EA-18G Growler electronic-attack aircraft to Australia. The sale is estimated at $250 million and is described as supporting US foreign policy and national security.
Strategic Background
Australia is a key ally in the Western Pacific, and the US emphasizes its strategic location contributes to regional peace and stability. The sale is framed as enhancing Australia’s self-defence capability without altering the basic military balance.
Financial Details
The Department estimates the Australian package at $250 million and, in a separate notification to Congress, indicated an intention to sell jet engines to Turkey valued at $700 million. The specific aircraft models are F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler; the engine type is not detailed.
Official Statements
The State Department stated that the proposed sale will improve Australia’s ability to meet current and future threats, increase interoperability with US forces through comprehensive training, and will not require additional US contractors or affect US defense readiness. Representative Chris Pappas, a Democrat from New Hampshire, publicly opposed the Turkish engine sale, arguing that the US should not reward Turkey’s government while it violates US law.
Opposition
Democratic lawmakers expressed concern that providing advanced military equipment to Turkey could undermine US commitments to democratic allies, and Representative Pappas warned that rewarding Ankara could conflict with US legal and human-rights standards.
Impact
The Australian acquisition is expected to deepen bilateral defense ties and reinforce US strategic interests in the Western Pacific, while the Turkish engine sale controversy highlights internal US debate over arms exports to governments that violate US law.
Conflicting Reports
The source material does not specify the exact number of aircraft or engines involved, nor does it provide a timeline for delivery or a final congressional vote outcome. Details on the specific engine model for Turkey remain undisclosed.
Quotes
- “Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific.” — US State Department
- “It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability.” — US State Department
- “We cannot reward Erdogan’s government while it continues to violate US law and threaten our reliable, democratic allies.” — Representative Chris Pappas, U.S. Representative (New Hampshire)
- “Absolutely no F-35s to Turkey.” — Representative Chris Pappas, U.S. Representative (New Hampshire)
Next Steps
The proposed sales will undergo congressional review before final approval. If authorized, Australia will begin training programs to integrate the aircraft, while the Turkish engine deal remains subject to further legislative scrutiny and potential policy adjustments.
