Turkey is intensifying efforts to finalize the purchase of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets by engaging in talks with Germany.
In 2019, Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program due to its controversial purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system. Consequently, an order for more than 100 F-35 stealth fighter jets to renew the Turkish Air Force fleet was scrapped. Since then, the country has been looking for alternatives.
Since 2022, it has engaged in talks with members of the Eurofighter consortium, namely Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, to secure an order for Typhoon fighters. After reportedly securing support from the United Kingdom and Spain in 2023, progress has been slow due to Germany’s objections.
However, it seems that Germany’s position may have changed, as reports indicate that talks are now ongoing between the two countries.
“Technical level works for the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon jets are underway. The works are aimed at accelerating the process,” an official from the Turkish defense ministry told Reuters. “No conditions have been raised in these works.”
In September 2024, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The two leaders are set to meet again in Istanbul on October 19, 2024, where the Eurofighter procurement is expected to be on the agenda.
Turkey’s interest in acquiring the jets comes alongside its recent deal with the United States to procure 40 F-16 fighter jets and 79 modernization kits for its existing fleet. Additionally, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is continuing to develop its indigenous fifth-generation combat aircraft, the KAAN.