Turkish Navy wants to deploy the F-35B Lightning II on board the TCG Anadolu which is under construction. The efficiency of the ship, which will be an important multiplier for the Turkish Navy's amphibious assault force, will be increased with the F-35B Lightning II aircraft.
In this direction, some studies are being carried out in the headquarters. According to the information obtained by C4Defence, the necessary infrastructure and preliminary works are in progress before the final target of F-35Bs. In this context, F-35B deployment requirements of the ship and the use of Naval Air Service land-based bases are examined. After preliminary studies, an stop-gap solution will be determined. After the preliminary decision for preparation and infrastructure work, the subject of training will be discussed. Although there is no definitive decision as a stop-gap solution, AV-8B Harrier II aircraft may be used for training tasks. However, the exact answer to the question of whether these aircraft will be procured or the training will be provided as a training support under contract from a Harrier user country has not yet been determined.
After the necessary decisions are taken and preparations are started on the way to the Turkish Navy's final F-35B target, the doors of Harrier user countries are expected to be knocked. After the bilateral talks, the final decision will be taken and the Turkish Navy will take the first steps on the road to the use of a jet-powered fighter for the first time in its history.
In 2017, the United Kingdom retired all Harrier aircraft along with Invincible class aircraft carriers. Aircraft which taken out of service were sold to the United States for use as spare parts. AV-8B Harrier II aircrafts take part in the inventory of Spain and Italy, as well as the US, which are serving in the Marine Corps.
This is a C4Defence news. Can be used with reference.
