Germany eases blockade, opening door for Türkiye’s Eurofighter Typhoon purchase
Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet of the Italian Air Force is seen during the 62nd NATO Tiger Meet Drill organized by the "NATO Tiger Association", formed by squadrons with "Tiger" as their emblem, hosted by The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) at Antonio Ramirez air base in Gioia del Colle, southeastern Italy on October 09, 2023. (AA Photo)
Germany has signaled a significant shift in its stance, allowing Türkiye to advance its plans to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. After years of delays caused by German opposition, recent progress has paved the way for crucial technical negotiations between the two nations.
A technical team, consisting of experts from the Eurofighter consortium—representing the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Germany—has begun discussions in Türkiye. The talks, expected to last three weeks, will cover a wide range of details, including procurement stages, pilot training, and maintenance protocols.
Once Germany grants final approval, Türkiye is expected to take delivery of 24 Eurofighter jets in the first phase, with the remaining 16 arriving in subsequent stages. The inclusion of these jets in the Turkish Air Force marks a significant upgrade, as they will be the first aircraft in its fleet equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technology.
The timing of this acquisition is crucial, as Türkiye is waiting for the deployment of its indigenous KAAN fighter jets and additional F-16 Block 70 aircraft. Military analysts have highlighted the Eurofighter as the optimal solution for Türkiye’s air defense until these programs are fully operational.
Germany’s initial reluctance to approve arms sales to Türkiye had been a major hurdle in finalizing the Eurofighter deal. However, recent reports indicate that Berlin has eased its position, with the German media suggesting that a broader weapons package valued at €336 million could be approved for Türkiye. This change in attitude is seen as a signal of improving relations between the two countries.
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler recently confirmed that talks with the Eurofighter consortium members were progressing, while efforts to gain Germany’s support were ongoing. “We are in discussions with both the UK and Spain for the acquisition of 40 Eurofighters, and steps are being taken to bring Germany on board,” Guler said in a recent statement.
With the Eurofighter Typhoons set to enhance the Turkish Air Force, Türkiye will be taking a critical step toward modernizing its air defense systems. Known for its advanced avionics and versatility, the Eurofighter is expected to fill an essential gap until domestic fighter jet projects are completed.
As technical talks proceed and the Eurofighter deal moves closer to finalization, the Turkish Air Force is poised to make significant strides in boosting its defense readiness, ensuring its operational capacity remains strong in the years ahead.
