Germany reconsiders Eurofighter request from Türkiye

Germany is reconsidering Türkiye’s request to purchase Eurofighter warplanes, a source familiar with the matter told Middle East Eye (MEE).

This marks a significant shift from Berlin’s earlier reluctance to proceed with the sale.

Türkiye has sought to buy 20 Eurofighter jets, valued at approximately $5.6 billion, since 2023, but the deal has faced delays due to opposition from certain parties in the German government, particularly the Green Party.

“We are taking another look at Türkiye’s request with a fresh mind and will review it,” the source said.

Rising Middle East tensions prompt revisit

Germany’s decision to revisit the sale is reportedly influenced by increasing tensions in the Middle East, particularly fears of a conflict between Iran and Israel, as well as the growing Russian threat to Europe.

Akif Cagatay Kilic, a senior advisor to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, confirmed some progress on the Eurofighter deal, though he refrained from providing specific details during a closed-door meeting with Turkish journalists.

Germany approves $368M weapons sale to Türkiye

In a related development, Germany’s Federal Security Council has approved a $368 million weapons sale to Türkiye, the first such deal in years.

The package includes 100 anti-aircraft missiles and torpedoes for the Turkish navy, along with modernization materials for Turkish submarines and frigates. This includes 28 SeaHake torpedoes from Thyssenkrupp and parts for U209 submarines and corvettes.

A Turkish source confirmed progress on submarine parts, supporting Der Spiegel’s report.

Migration issues denied as actor in Eurofighter deal

German media recently reported that Interior Minister Nancy Faeser claimed Türkiye would expedite the repatriation of more than 15,000 Turkish citizens whose asylum requests had been denied.

However, sources denied any connection between the Eurofighter sale and migration issues.

“We flatly deny that we would accept the repatriation of Turkish citizens en masse to Türkiye, there is no such deal,” a senior Turkish official said.

Ankara has only agreed to technical cooperation to help German authorities identify Turkish citizens missing passports or IDs. Reports suggest a weekly return of 200 Turkish citizens could rise to 500, contingent on Germany speeding up visa procedures for Turkish nationals.

Despite previous scrutiny over Türkiye’s use of German military equipment, particularly in Syria, Germany’s stance appears to be softening as regional security concerns grow.

While the Eurofighter deal is not yet finalized, the approval of the $368 million weapons sale indicates a potential shift in Germany-Türkiye relations.