During a Defense Industry Executive Committee (SSIK) on Wednesday December 15, Turkish authorities decided meeting to begin production on the first Turkish fighter jets in 2020, in order to meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chief of General Staff Gen. Isik Kosaner and Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul also participated in December 15 SSIK meeting. A new agreement will be signed with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for the production of the first Turkish military fighter jets. Speaking to reporters, Gonul said Turkish fighter jets will be serving along with F-16s and F-35s, after the service of their F-4s expires.

Without discussing details regarding the possibility of producing them with foreign companies or countries, the defense minister said that South Korea is also considering producing military aircraft and that they could consider producing them together. However, he said the decision was to produce fighter jets belonging solely to Turkey, adding that Turkey will also start preparations to begin producing jets specially designed for training purposes, Today’s Zaman reported.