It has been almost three years since the United States formally kicked Turkey out of the consortium to build and fly the next generation F-35 joint strike fighter. The move followed Turkey’s decision to purchase Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missiles that, when operational, would allow Russian engineers to gather intelligence on the capabilities of American aircraft.

After losing the F-35s, Turkey waited until President Joe Biden took office and then requested to purchase 40 F-16 fighter jets and upgrade kits for 80 more. Both the State Department and Congress, however, must approve of any such transfer.