U.S. APPROVES ADVANCED F-16 UPGRADE FOR TURKEY

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The Bush administration has approved a Turkish request for an advanced upgrade package for the F-16 fleet, including the most modern air-to-air missile in the U.S. military inventory. Officials said the Defense Department has endorsed a Turkish program that would ensure capabilities similar to the advanced F-16s in the U.S. Air Force. The program would modernize at least 117 F-16s in the Turkish Air Force, with an option for the upgrade of another 100 platforms. The F-16 modernization program would encompass Block 40 and 50 aircraft.