Turkish defense minister says Eurofighter process ‘proceeding as planned’

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler stated that the Eurofighter procurement process is continuing as planned, emphasizing that Ankara’s engagement is primarily with the United Kingdom rather than Germany.

Türkiye’s Eurofighter process focuses on UK

Speaking to reporters at the 23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day reception at the Turkish Parliament, Guler said, “The Eurofighter process is proceeding exactly as planned. Our counterpart is not Germany, it is the United Kingdom. Everything on our side is continuing according to plan.”

Guler’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about Türkiye’s efforts to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon jets and the recent report of the German media outlet Handelsblatt, claiming Berlin has blocked the planned export of approximately three dozen Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Türkiye.

According to the report, the primary reason for halting the export license is the arrest of Turkish opposition figure Ekrem Imamoglu over corruption charges, which Berlin officials described as “an attack on Turkish democracy.” A short time later, Imamoglu made a statement on the social media platform X, where he highlighted the importance of Türkiye’s national interests.

He condemned Germany’s decision to halt the sale of Eurofighter jets to Türkiye. He expressed deep regret over the suspension of the long-anticipated fighter jet delivery to the Turkish Air Force.

F-35 and F-16 developments tied to Erdogan’s US trip

On the subject of Türkiye’s ongoing attempts to acquire new F-16 fighter jets and potentially reengage with the F-35 program, Guler said, “We believe our President’s visit to the United States is important. We will speak afterwards. The F-16 process is also continuing.”

Guler’s comments indicate that key decisions regarding U.S. defense equipment sales to Türkiye may hinge on upcoming high-level diplomatic discussions during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s anticipated trip to Washington.

Continued operations in northern Iraq: ‘Towards a Terror-Free Türkiye’

In response to questions regarding the recently fallen service member in the Claw-Lock Operation zone in northern Iraq, Guler confirmed, “We are continuing our efforts for a terror-free Türkiye. Unfortunately, a drone hit one of our soldiers yesterday. He was taken to the hospital but could not be saved. He became a martyr. May he rest in peace.”

“We are hearing phrases like ‘requirements’ from the other side. Some suggest the Erbil administration could influence the disarmament process. Our position remains the same: dissolve the organization, surrender your weapons, and turn yourself in. There are three conditions,” he added.

When asked where the weapons would be surrendered, Guler responded, “They will be told.”