Defense & Military
Turkey Eyes Eurofighter Typhoon Jets to Boost Defense Capabilities
Turkey explores Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition to enhance air power and diversify defense partnerships amid F-35 exclusion.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent remarks regarding the potential acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon jets mark a significant moment in Turkey’s evolving defense strategy. Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and a shifting global defense landscape, this move signals Ankara’s intent to diversify its military suppliers and strengthen its aerial capabilities. The Eurofighter Typhoon, a product of European collaboration, could play a pivotal role in bridging Turkey’s current capability gap while its indigenous KAAN fighter program continues development.
Germany and Britain’s reportedly positive stance on the jet sale suggests a potential thaw in defense relations, particularly following years of friction over Turkey’s acquisition of Russian-made S-400 missile systems. The Eurofighter deal, if finalized, could not only enhance Turkey’s air combat strength but also recalibrate its defense procurement alliances, moving somewhat away from U.S.-centric dependencies and toward a more multipolar strategy involving European partners.
For decades, Turkey has heavily relied on American-made aircraft, with the F-16 Fighting Falcon forming the backbone of its air force. This long-standing relationship began to unravel in 2019 when Turkey was expelled from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. The expulsion followed Ankara’s controversial decision to purchase the Russian S-400 air defense system, which NATO allies deemed incompatible with alliance operations and potentially compromising to F-35 stealth capabilities.
This development created a significant capability gap for Turkey, especially as it faced increasing security challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean and along its southern borders. In response, Ankara accelerated its indigenous fifth-generation fighter initiative, the KAAN project, which aims to produce a domestically built stealth fighter by the late 2020s. While promising, the KAAN program remains years away from operational readiness, necessitating an interim solution to maintain air superiority.
That interim solution may come in the form of the Eurofighter Typhoon. Initial discussions began in 2023, but progress was stymied by Germany’s hesitance to approve export licenses due to political concerns. However, recent political changes in Berlin and renewed diplomatic engagement seem to have shifted the landscape in favor of a potential agreement.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is produced by a consortium involving the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Any export deal requires unanimous approval from all partner nations, making Germany’s position especially critical. Under the previous German government, export licenses to Turkey were blocked, citing concerns over Ankara’s military operations in Syria and its strained relations with NATO allies.
However, the political landscape in Germany has shifted. Under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Berlin appears more open to defense collaboration with Turkey. Erdoğan’s recent meetings with Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly yielded positive discussions, with both leaders signaling a willingness to advance the deal. British officials have taken a leading role in facilitating the negotiations, underscoring the UK’s strategic interest in maintaining Eurofighter production lines and strengthening ties with Ankara.
Italy and Spain have expressed consistent support for the sale, primarily due to the economic benefits for their domestic defense industries. With all four consortium partners potentially aligned, the path toward finalizing the deal appears clearer than it has in years. “Germany and Britain have taken a positive stance on the sale of Eurofighter jets to Turkey,”, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Reuters, July 2025)
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a 4.5-generation multirole combat aircraft known for its agility, advanced avionics, and interoperability with NATO systems. Designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the Typhoon is equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as the Captor-E AESA radar, PIRATE infrared search and track system, and a digital fly-by-wire control system. These features enable it to operate effectively in contested environments and adapt to a wide range of mission profiles.
For Turkey, acquiring the Typhoon would provide a substantial upgrade over its current fleet of F-16s. The aircraft’s ability to carry a diverse array of weaponry—including Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles and Storm Shadow cruise missiles—would significantly enhance Turkey’s deterrent and offensive capabilities. Additionally, the Typhoon’s compatibility with NATO standards ensures seamless integration into alliance operations, a key consideration given Turkey’s strategic location.
The aircraft’s high thrust-to-weight ratio, composite airframe, and advanced sensor suite make it well-suited for operations in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey faces complex security dynamics. Whether patrolling disputed airspace or supporting ground operations along the Syrian border, the Typhoon offers a versatile and robust solution to Turkey’s immediate air power needs.
Eurofighter production is currently maintained across several facilities in the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The potential Turkish orders—reportedly for up to 40 aircraft—would provide a much-needed boost to the consortium, which has faced declining orders in recent years. Scaling up production to meet Turkey’s needs would require increased investment in manufacturing capacity and workforce training, particularly at facilities like BAE Systems’ Warton plant in the UK.
From an economic standpoint, the deal could revitalize parts of Europe’s defense manufacturing sector. It may also open the door for further export opportunities, as Turkey’s endorsement of the Typhoon could influence other prospective buyers in the Middle East and Asia. The deal’s value, estimated at around $5.6 billion, underscores the strategic and financial importance of the transaction for all parties involved.
However, challenges remain. Integrating the Typhoon into Turkey’s existing infrastructure, training pilots and ground crews, and establishing maintenance and logistics support will require time and resources. Moreover, the deal must navigate complex political terrain, including parliamentary approvals and export control regulations in each consortium country.
The potential sale of Eurofighter Typhoons to Turkey represents more than a simple arms transaction—it signals a broader realignment in Ankara’s defense procurement strategy. Faced with exclusion from the F-35 program and ongoing regional security challenges, Turkey is turning toward European partners to fill its capability gaps. The Typhoon offers a credible and interoperable solution that aligns with Turkey’s NATO commitments while supporting its national defense objectives.
Looking ahead, the successful conclusion of this deal could pave the way for deeper defense cooperation between Turkey and Europe. It may also influence the trajectory of Turkey’s indigenous fighter programs and its broader geopolitical orientation. As negotiations progress, the international community will be watching closely to see how this development reshapes defense dynamics in both Europe and the Middle East. What is the Eurofighter Typhoon? Why is Turkey interested in the Eurofighter? What are the political challenges to the sale?
Turkey’s Eurofighter Typhoon Acquisition: Strategic Shift in Defense Procurement
Historical Context of Turkey’s Fighter Jet Programs
Germany and Britain’s Role in the Negotiations
Technical Capabilities and Strategic Value of the Eurofighter Typhoon
Production and Economic Considerations
Conclusion: Strategic Realignment and Future Prospects
FAQ
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multirole combat aircraft developed by a European consortium comprising the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It is designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Turkey is seeking to modernize its air force following its removal from the F-35 program. The Eurofighter offers advanced capabilities and NATO interoperability, making it an attractive interim solution.
The deal requires unanimous approval from all Eurofighter consortium members. Germany had previously opposed the sale due to geopolitical concerns, but recent diplomatic shifts suggest growing support.
Sources
Photo Credit: The National Interest