Ankara included in Pentagon's $500 million C-12 contract

The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced a $500 million logistics support contract for the C-12 aircraft fleet in its latest contract list. The contract was awarded to Vertex Aerospace LLC and will run until June 2031. It covers personnel, cargo, and medical evacuation missions, as well as test support services for various military agencies. This major contract also includes the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, with an operational network spanning 7 U.S. states and 15 countries, including Turkey. Turkey's inclusion, with Ankara as a location, highlights its role in the agreement.

Work under the contract will be carried out at military bases and centers in these countries, including Turkey. Services will be provided to the U.S. Air Force Materiel Command, Defense Intelligence Agency, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and Pacific Air Forces for time-sensitive personnel, cargo, and medical evacuation transport, as well as test support. This extensive logistics network aims to support the U.S. global military presence.

Three companies submitted bids in a competitive tender, with initial funding allocated from fiscal year 2026 budgets and FMS funds. The contract process is managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. This center plays a critical role in U.S. Air Force logistics and life cycle management.

Under the same package, the Navy modified an existing contract with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics for the F-35 program, awarding an additional $74.2 million. This funding aims to integrate UK- and Italy-specific weapon systems into F-35A and F-35B aircraft, enhance F-35 Block 4 capabilities, and develop a common tactical data recording system for all F-35 variants.

These efforts are expected to be completed by December 2032. The F-35 program remains a critical defense project for the U.S. and its allies. Turkey's involvement in the C-12 contract can be seen as a sign of military cooperation between the two countries. Pentagon contracts like this aim to strengthen global military logistics networks and enhance cooperation with allied nations.