Turkish defense ministry shares key updates on Eurofighter procurement
A Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet of the United Kingdom Air Force is seen before landing at Murted Airfield Command, an air base of the Turkish Air Force located 35 km northwest of Ankara, Türkiye on Dec.18, 2024. (AA Photo)
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MoD) held a press briefing, providing updates on procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon jets, recent developments in Syria, and ongoing security operations.
First official visit to Syria by defense ministry delegation
MoD sources highlighted the significance of the ministry’s recent visit to Syria, stating that it marked the first official delegation from the ministry headquarters to engage in direct talks.
“The visit was important as the first delegation and initial contact from our Ministry Headquarters to Syria. The meeting included discussions on joint efforts against terrorist organizations posing a threat to both Türkiye and Syria, as well as potential areas of cooperation in defense and security,” the sources stated.
The visit aligns with Türkiye’s ongoing policy of fostering dialogue with Syrian counterparts, particularly regarding defense cooperation and counterterrorism efforts.
Officials noted future engagements would be determined based on identified needs and developments in the region.
Eurofighter Typhoon and F-16 procurement status
Regarding the procurement of fighter jets, officials reiterated Türkiye’s preference for domestic defense systems while continuing negotiations on international acquisitions.
“As we have always stated, our priority is to meet our needs with indigenous defense systems. Until KAAN, HURJET, KIZILELMA, and ANKA-3 are fully operational, we are continuing our efforts to procure F-16s and Eurofighter Typhoons for our Air Force,” the sources stated.
“In this context, the requirement definition document for 40 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft has been sent to the U.K. Ministry of Defense and the relevant company. We expect the price proposal to reach us in the coming days. Technical discussions regarding the F-16 procurement are also progressing positively.”
Counterterrorism operations and border security
MoD Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to ensuring regional stability and security, particularly in Syria and Iraq.
“We will continue to take preventive and eliminative measures against all terrorist organizations, including PKK/PYD/YPG/SDG and Daesh, which threaten the peace and security of our country and the region. We will not allow any terrorist formation or fait accompli in the area.
Additionally, we will work closely with the new Syrian administration to enhance Syria’s security and defense capacity and facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced Syrians,” he stated.
Akturk also provided updates on ongoing counterterrorism operations, revealing that in the past week, 57 terrorists were eliminated, bringing the total number of eliminated terrorists to 278 since the beginning of the year.
Strengthening border security
Türkiye has intensified security measures to curb illegal border crossings and smuggling activities.
According to the defense ministry, 95 individuals attempting to cross the border illegally were apprehended in the past week, including one individual linked to a terrorist organization. An additional 817 individuals were prevented from crossing.
“Since Jan. 1, a total of 415 individuals have been caught attempting to cross illegally, while 5,947 have been prevented from doing so,” officials reported.
Türkiye’s continued commitment to Syrian stability
Rear Admiral Akturk emphasized Türkiye remains committed to Syria‘s territorial integrity and stability, underscoring its opposition to terrorist groups operating in the region.
“Türkiye will continue to stand by the Syrian people. Our ministry delegation recently visited Syria for technical discussions, reinforcing our commitment to mutual security and cooperation,” he said.
Akturk reiterated Türkiye’s position that no unilateral moves would be allowed in Syria that could jeopardize regional security.
He further highlighted Türkiye’s expectation that regional actors uphold ceasefire agreements and international commitments, particularly in conflict zones such as Gaza and Lebanon.
