FMS | United States

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Secretary of State < Odinson > [Sender]: Embassy of Türkiye, Washington D.C.< embassy.washington@mb.gov.tr > [Subject]: Confidential // Foreign Military Sale Request

Dear Mr. Adams, The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye conveys its warm regards to the Government of the United States and reaffirms the enduring value of the partnership between our two nations. Our countries have begun to cooperate closely in advancing regional security and maritime stability, including Türkiye's willingness to assist in refueling and replenishing two U.S. destroyers deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean. In this spirit of continued cooperation, Türkiye wishes to explore the possibility of establishing a foreign military sales options framework for certain defense capabilities intended to strengthen maritime security and deterrence in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Specifically, Türkiye seeks to request preliminary consultations and a cost estimate regarding the potential acquisition, at a future date, of: Up to eight Boeing P‑8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, including associated mission systems, training, and logistical support; Up to twenty-four launchers of the M142 HIMARS system equipped with the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). Up to four Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, including associated support systems, training, and logistical support; The Government of Türkiye views these capabilities as contributing directly to enhanced maritime domain awareness, long-range precision strike capacity, and cooperative security operations aimed at countering illicit trafficking, strengthening maritime interdiction capabilities, and supporting stability across critical waterways linking Europe, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. At present, due to current fiscal planning considerations, Türkiye does not anticipate immediate procurement of these systems. However, our government is interested in establishing an options structure or preliminary authorization pathway that would allow these acquisitions to proceed more efficiently in the future, should national defense priorities and financial conditions permit. Accordingly, Türkiye would greatly appreciate the assistance of the United States Government in: Providing a preliminary cost estimate and program outline for the above systems, including training, sustainment, and associated infrastructure requirements. Exploring the feasibility of completing the relevant U.S. executive and congressional review processes in advance, where appropriate, in order to shorten potential procurement and delivery timelines at the time a purchase decision is formally made. Türkiye believes that these capabilities would further enhance interoperability between our armed forces and strengthen our collective ability to maintain maritime security and stability in strategically important regions. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration and our continued commitment to the strong partnership between Türkiye and the United States. Respectfully, Serdar Kılıç Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye 2525 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20008 Phone: +1 (202) 612-6700

 

[Odinson]

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: Serdar Kılıç, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye ( Jay )​

FROM: Luke Adams, Secretary of State of the United States of America

Ambassador Kılıç,

Thank you for reaching out to the State Department regarding these procurement matters. I have reached out to the Department of Defense and the White House regarding these requests. First, I regret to inform you that the Defense Department has told me that the SR-71 is no longer operated by the armed forces and that the production lines that would be needed to produce it are no longer available.

In regard to the other items, we could possibly discuss a trade for those items in the future, however your government will first need to begin its regular payments for the debt that is owed to the Federal Reserve and the Federal Government. As of now, Türkiye is delinquent and has not made any payments on its debts. Will your government be able to make the next schedule payment, as is required in the agreement between our countries?​

Best regards,

Luke Adams
Secretary of State
​

 

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Secretary of State < Odinson > [Sender]: Embassy of Türkiye, Washington D.C.< embassy.washington@mb.gov.tr > [Subject]: Confidential // Foreign Military Sale Request

Dear Secretary Adams, The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye presents its compliments to the Department of State and conveys its appreciation for your prompt and forthright response regarding our earlier inquiry. We take note of the information provided by the Department of Defense concerning the status of the Lockheed SR‑71 Blackbird and understand that the aircraft is no longer operated and that production infrastructure is no longer available. Türkiye appreciates the clarification. With regard to the broader discussion of potential defense cooperation, including systems such as the Boeing P‑8 Poseidon and the M142 HIMARS equipped with the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), the Government of Türkiye wishes to reiterate that our previous correspondence was intended solely to explore the possibility of establishing a future options framework and preliminary consultation process. The purpose of this inquiry was not to initiate an immediate procurement decision, but rather to allow both governments to better understand potential costs, timelines, and administrative requirements should such acquisitions be considered at a later stage. Regarding the matter of debt repayments referenced in your letter, Türkiye respectfully wishes to recall the terms of the existing agreement governing these obligations. Under the framework established between our governments and the relevant financial authorities, scheduled repayments are to begin within three months of the actual receipt of funds. As you are aware, the relevant disbursement date has not yet been met ((Tuesday, February 17, 2026 with the appropriate repayment date begining Tuesday, 31 March 2026)). Accordingly, the repayment schedule has not yet formally commenced under the terms of that arrangement. At present, the Government of Türkiye is concentrating its efforts on policies aimed at restoring robust economic growth and stabilizing domestic financial conditions. In this context, our authorities are working closely with international clearing houses and financial institutions to ensure that the expected flows of capital and credit facilities materialize as anticipated. Regrettably, the pace of these processes has been slower than originally projected, and the economic benefits we expected to begin materializing have therefore not yet fully taken effect. For this reason, our earlier request for a defense procurement options framework should be understood strictly as a long-term planning exercise. Türkiye does not anticipate exercising any such options until our economic position allows us to responsibly allocate the necessary financial resources. Establishing preliminary program outlines and indicative cost structures in advance would simply allow for more efficient cooperation at a future date when our fiscal conditions permit. Türkiye remains firmly committed to maintaining a constructive and transparent dialogue with the United States on both economic and security matters. Should the Department of State or other relevant authorities wish to discuss these matters further, the Embassy would be pleased to provide any additional clarifications that may assist your review. Please accept, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of our highest consideration. Respectfully, Serdar Kılıç Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye 2525 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20008 Phone: +1 (202) 612-6700