Türkiye to acquire 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets in 2 phases, report claims
Typhoon flying trials with ASRAAM, Meteor, Brimstone and Paveway IV.
(Photo via Jamie Hunter)
Türkiye is set to procure 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets in a two-phase acquisition plan, according to a report by Spanish newspaper La Razon.
The purchase, which includes advanced Meteor air-to-air missiles, is expected to significantly enhance Türkiye’s air combat capabilities and has drawn attention from regional players, including Greece.
According to the newspaper, 40 Typhoon jets, the first 20 of which will be second-hand from the U.K. and the other 20 of which will be newly produced, are expected to enter service with Meteor missiles between 2026 and 2030.
Türkiye’s 2-phase Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition plan
Türkiye’s Eurofighter Typhoon procurement plan involves:
- Phase one: Acquisition of 20 jets from the United Kingdom.
- Phase two: Production of 20 new aircraft under an agreed framework.
According to reports, initial deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026, with full operational capacity expected by 2030.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, a 4+ generation fighter, is jointly produced by the U.K., Germany, Italy, and Spain.
The newspaper states that 20 second-hand jets will be purchased from England and will enter service in 2026. Accordingly, these aircraft should be Tranche 1. England was also going to retire 30 Tranche 1s early by 2025.
The numbers of the aircraft and dates of the U.K.’s retirement of fighter jets do match but according to the Turkish Ministry of Defense sources, Ankara is seeking and will acquire newly produced Eurofighter Typhoons fighter jets.
Meteor missile integration and strategic impact
The Eurofighter Typhoons destined for Türkiye will be equipped with Meteor missiles, a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by MBDA.
- Meteor missiles have a range exceeding 100 kilometers and use a ramjet propulsion system, allowing them to maintain high speed over long distances.
- The missile features an active radar guidance system, enabling it to track and engage maneuvering targets.
- It is capable of simultaneously engaging multiple targets, making it one of the most advanced air-to-air weapons available today.
France has reportedly approved the inclusion of Meteor missiles in Türkiye’s Eurofighter package, while the U.K. actively pushed for the deal. The integration of these advanced missiles is seen as a significant upgrade to Türkiye’s aerial combat capabilities.
Tensions with Greece and regional reactions
The sale has echoed in Greece, given ongoing disputes in the Aegean Sea and long-standing military rivalries between the two NATO members.
While Greece has not formally objected to the sale, reports suggest that Athens views Türkiye’s Eurofighter acquisition as a direct challenge to its air superiority.
Greece has been bolstering its own air force in recent years, acquiring French-made Rafale jets and upgrading its F-16 fleet.
Türkiye’s broader fighter jet strategy
Beyond the Eurofighter Typhoon deal, Türkiye continues efforts to modernize its air force through multiple procurement channels:
- F-16 Block 70 acquisition: Türkiye has signed a deal for 40 F-16 Block 70 jets and upgrades for its existing fleet, with an initial payment of $1.4 billion already made.
- F-35 program: Türkiye remains interested in rejoining the F-35 fighter jet program, from which it was removed due to its acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile system.
- KAAN fighter jet development: Türkiye is developing its indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet, KAAN, aiming for operational deployment in the coming years.
A statement from Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense emphasized:
In line with the needs of our Air Force Command, we continue our efforts to acquire modern fighter aircraft equipped with advanced technology and to diversify the inventory until our national aircraft, KAAN, enters service.
The ministry also confirmed that technical negotiations for the Eurofighter Typhoon procurement are progressing positively.
Germany’s role in sale
While the U.K., Spain, and Italy have already approved the Eurofighter deal, Germany’s final approval is required for the sale to proceed.
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently stated that technical discussions on the sale were ongoing and that the proposal was being reviewed by Türkiye.
- The approval process accelerated after Germany appointed a Temporary Sales Authority for the aircraft, a move expected to expedite the procurement process.
