Defense Minister and BAE Systems CEO engage in crucial discussions regarding the acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
In a significant development, Turkey's procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from the United Kingdom is progressing positively, with the UK offering a deal in March 2025 for approximately 40 aircraft, consisting of 20 used Tranche 1 jets and 20 new Tranche 4 models. This move comes as Germany, a previous major barrier due to political concerns, is poised to grant final approval for the sale.
The new German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz's leadership has signalled a decisive shift in policy, effectively ending years of blockades. The approval marks a crucial step forward, as Germany's consent, alongside the UK, Italy, and Spain, is essential for any export of the Eurofighter, given its multinational development.
Deliveries to Turkey are expected to begin in 2026, with full operational capability aimed for 2030. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to modernise Turkey's ageing air fleet, especially after Turkey's exclusion from the U.S. F-35 program. The Eurofighter Typhoon, while not a stealth fifth-generation fighter, offers advanced avionics, AESA radar, and enhanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities suited for Turkey's regional security needs.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed optimism about responses from European partners in the Eurofighter procurement process. During a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister, noted progress in defence industry cooperation, including the Eurofighter procurement. Erdogan also mentioned ongoing discussions with the United States regarding fighter aircraft, specifically the F-35 issue.
However, uncertainty remains over whether the German government will approve the delivery of the fighter jets to Turkey. Recent German media reports suggest that Berlin is preparing to approve the long-delayed sale. Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz mentioned positive momentum in negotiations with Germany, France, and the UK regarding the Eurofighter procurement process.
In addition, Erdogan did not discuss the S-400 issue during a meeting with President Trump, stating it was a finished matter. The Turkish President also noted that work continues on the maintenance and repair of F-16s and the acquisition of F-35s.
The Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition is now moving forward with the UK’s strong support and Germany’s approval expected imminently, clearing the way for the deal to proceed. This strategic move is expected to modernise Turkey's fleet, improve NATO interoperability, and strengthen Turkey's position in Europe and beyond.
- The Turkish government, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is optimistic about the progress of the Eurofighter Typhoon procurement from the United Kingdom, a deal that is expected to move forward with strong support from the UK and imminent approval from the new German government.
- As Germany's consent, alongside other participating nations like the UK, Italy, and Spain, is crucial for the export of the Eurofighter, the impending German approval marks a significant step towards modernizing Turkey's ageing air fleet and reinforcing Turkey's position within NATO.
- While the Turkish President expressed his beliefs in positive outcomes from European partners in the Eurofighter procurement process, uncertainties remain over the delivery of the fighter jets to Turkey due to political considerations, as recent German media reports suggest.
- In the midst of this development, Turkey, as a NATO member, aims to strengthen its position in Europe and beyond by enhancing its technology, particularly in the field of military aviation, through the acquisition of the Eurofighter Typhoon – a move that would likely improve NATO interoperability.
