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
Defense & Military
Embraer and Saab Unveil First Gripen E Fighter Produced in Brazil
Embraer and Saab unveiled the first Gripen E fighter jet assembled in Brazil, enhancing local defense manufacturing and fulfilling a 2014 contract.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
On March 25, 2026, Embraer, Saab, and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) marked a historic milestone in Latin American aerospace by unveiling the first Gripen E fighter jet manufactured on Brazilian soil. The rollout ceremony took place at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, officially introducing the first supersonic fighter aircraft ever produced in the country.
According to the official press release, the event drew high-profile attendees, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Swedish Ambassador Karin Wallensteen, and top executives from both Embraer and Saab. The presentation of the aircraft highlights a successful technology transfer program and elevates Brazil into a select group of nations capable of manufacturing advanced combat aircraft.
The newly unveiled Gripen E is the result of a deeply integrated Brazilian and international supply chain. Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility handles the final assembly, utilizing aerostructures manufactured at Saab’s plant in São Bernardo do Campo. According to Embraer, 14 additional aircraft will be built using this exact production model under the current FAB contract.
Before being handed over to the customer, the newly assembled fighter will undergo rigorous functional and production flight testing. Once cleared, it will join the First Defense Group (1st GDA) stationed at the Anápolis Air Force Base.
Company leadership emphasized the broader implications of the rollout. In the press release, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, highlighted the collaborative effort:
“…it symbolizes the strength of a partnership built on trust, long‑term vision, and true cooperation.”
The foundation for this manufacturing achievement was laid in 2014 when the Brazilian government signed a comprehensive contract with Saab. The agreement covers the development and production of 36 Gripen fighters, specifically 28 single-seat Gripen E models and eight two-seat Gripen F variants.
Deliveries from Sweden began in 2020, and the press release notes that at least 10 aircraft have already been handed over to the Brazilian Air Force. The Gripen fleet is already active; since February, the fighters have been executing Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions from the Anápolis Air Force Base to safeguard the airspace over Brazil’s federal district. Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, noted the strategic importance of the local production capability, stating in the release:
“…developing, within Brazil, the capability to produce a high-tech supersonic fighter aircraft – fully capable of executing air superiority missions…”
We view the successful rollout of a domestically assembled Gripen E as a transformative moment for Embraer and the Brazilian defense sector. By proving it can assemble and integrate a sophisticated, network-centric supersonic fighter, Embraer significantly enhances its high-end military manufacturing portfolio. This capability not only fulfills Brazil’s immediate national security and airspace defense needs but also positions the Gavião Peixoto facility as a potential regional export and maintenance hub for South America. As neighboring countries evaluate their aging fighter fleets, we believe Brazil’s proven production line could offer Saab a strategic foothold for future Latin American sales.
Where was the first Brazilian-made Gripen E produced? How many Gripen fighters did Brazil order? How many more Gripens will be built in Brazil?
Production and Strategic Partnership
Details of the Gavião Peixoto Facility
Contract History and Operational Status
The 2014 Agreement
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The aircraft was assembled at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, using components including aerostructures from Saab’s facility in São Bernardo do Campo.
Under a 2014 contract, the Brazilian government ordered 36 Gripen fighters, comprising 28 single-seat Gripen E jets and 8 two-seat Gripen F jets.
According to the Embraer press release, 14 additional aircraft will be produced at the Gavião Peixoto facility under the current contract.
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Japan received three F-35B fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base, advancing its goal to deploy eight F-35Bs by fiscal year 2025 end.
In late March 2026, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) received three additional F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture. According to social media account @thef35 on X, the delivery highlights that procurement
“momentum continues” for the Japanese defense forces.
This latest arrival is a critical milestone. Based on defense research data, the delivery keeps Japan’s Ministry of Defense on track to meet its goal of deploying an initial batch of eight F-35Bs by the end of fiscal year 2025, which concludes on March 31, 2026. Japan received its first three F-35Bs on August 7, 2025, ferried by U.S. pilots, and officially activated the fleet for frontline service during a ceremony on February 7, 2026.
The integration of the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft represents a historic shift in Japan’s defense posture. Defense reports indicate Japan plans to acquire 147 F-35s in total, 105 conventional F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, making it the largest operator of the fifth-generation fighter outside the United States.
While the F-35Bs are operated by the JASDF, defense analysts note their primary strategic value lies in their integration with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
To accommodate the STOVL aircraft, Japan has been modifying its two largest warships, the Izumo-class helicopter destroyers JS Izumo and JS Kaga. According to defense research, these modifications include reshaping the bows into a rectangular configuration and applying heat-resistant deck coatings capable of withstanding the F-35B’s powerful lift fan.
These upgrades were put to the test recently. In October 2024, a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps F-35B successfully conducted the first landing and takeoff trials on the modified JS Kaga off the coast of San Diego, California. This milestone effectively proved the vessel’s capability to operate as a light aircraft carrier, returning fixed-wing carrier aviation to the Japanese fleet for the first time since World War II.
Japan’s acquisition of the F-35B is widely viewed by defense researchers as a direct response to a tightening regional security environment, particularly the rapid military modernization and maritime maneuvers of China in the East and South China Seas. Nyutabaru Air Base is strategically located on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. Defense reports highlight that this positions the F-35B fleet in close proximity to the Nansei Islands chain, which stretches toward Taiwan and includes the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands. The STOVL capability allows Japan to project air power from the sea and operate from shorter, austere runways on remote islands.
Under its post-WWII pacifist constitution, Japan has historically maintained a strictly defensive military posture. The deployment of carrier-capable stealth fighters represents a shift toward what defense analysts term “active deterrence.” To navigate political sensitivities regarding offensive capabilities, the Japanese government officially classifies the Izumo and Kaga as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Despite the strategic momentum, the domestic rollout of the F-35B fleet has faced logistical and political hurdles.
According to defense research data, Japan is constructing a dedicated runway and training facility on the uninhabited island of Mageshima, located roughly 160 kilometers south of Nyutabaru. This facility is intended for F-35B Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) and vertical landing drills.
However, the Mageshima project has been delayed until approximately 2029 or 2030. Consequently, routine vertical landing training must be conducted at Nyutabaru Airports in the interim. This temporary arrangement has triggered protests and concerns from local residents in Miyazaki Prefecture regarding severe aircraft noise pollution.
We view the successful delivery of these F-35Bs as more than just a national defense upgrade for Japan; it is a foundational step for allied interoperability in the Indo-Pacific. By operating the F-35B from modified destroyers, Japan ensures seamless integration with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces, as well as other allied operators like the United Kingdom and Italy. This opens the door for future cross-decking operations, where allied jets can land on Japanese ships and vice versa, creating a highly flexible, distributed maritime strike capability that complicates adversary planning in the region.
According to defense procurement data, Japan plans to acquire a total of 147 F-35 military-aircraft, consisting of 105 F-35A conventional takeoff variants and 42 F-35B STOVL variants.
The F-35B features Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from amphibious assault ships, light aircraft carriers, and short or austere runways. To align with its post-WWII pacifist constitution, which limits offensive military capabilities, Japan officially classifies the modified Izumo-class vessels as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Sources: @thef35, Defense Research Report
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Latest Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Strategic Shift: The “Lightning Carriers”
Vessel Modifications and Sea Trials
Geopolitical Drivers and Regional Defense
Defending the Nansei Islands
Domestic Challenges and Infrastructure
Local Impact at Nyutabaru
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many F-35s is Japan buying?
What makes the F-35B different?
Why are Japan’s carrier-capable ships called destroyers?
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
GKN Aerospace Delivers First Upgraded RM12 Engine to Swedish Armed Forces
GKN Aerospace delivers the first upgraded RM12 engine under a £32 million programme enhancing Sweden’s Gripen C/D fighter fleet performance and endurance.
This article is based on an official press release from GKN Aerospace.
GKN Aerospace has officially delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a critical milestone in the RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme. The delivery is part of a broader initiative to modernize the propulsion systems of Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter fleet.
According to a company press release, the RM12EP programme is valued at approximately £32 million (SEK 400 million). The initiative focuses on increasing engine thrust, extending operational endurance, and improving overall efficiency to ensure the legacy fighter aircraft remain highly capable in modern operational environments.
The successful handover of the first enhanced engine underscores GKN Aerospace’s nearly century-long partnership with the Swedish Air Force. As the type certificate holder for the RM12 engine, the company continues to play a central role in maintaining Sweden’s aerial defense readiness.
The RM12EP upgrade introduces significant technical improvements to the existing powerplants. In its official statement, GKN Aerospace noted that the enhancements include the installation of improved turbine hardware alongside updated engine control software. These modifications are specifically designed to boost engine thrust and extend the operating time of the engines, while simultaneously reducing life cycle costs for the Swedish Armed Forces.
The RM12EP programme was originally launched in 2019. It represents a long-term strategic effort led by GKN Aerospace to ensure that the Gripen C/D remains a cost-efficient and highly capable platform, even as newer generations of fighter aircraft enter service.
All upgrade work for the RM12 engines is being conducted at GKN Aerospace’s specialized facility in Trollhättan, Sweden. The company maintains comprehensive responsibility for the development, manufacturing, system support, and maintenance of both the RM12 engine, which powers the Gripen C/D, and the newer RM16 engine, which is utilized in the advanced Gripen E/F models.
The delivery of the first upgraded unit was achieved through extensive cross-functional collaboration. GKN Aerospace highlighted that the milestone involved coordination across engineering, production, quality assurance, procurement, and logistics departments. Furthermore, the project relies on key partnerships with industry leaders GE and Saab. Additional upgraded engines are scheduled to be delivered continuously to the Swedish Armed Forces in accordance with the programme’s planned timeline. “This first upgraded engine delivery represents an important step forward in enhancing the performance and endurance of the Gripen system. As type certificate holder for the Gripen C/D engine and with a partnership with the Swedish Air Force that spans nearly a century, we are proud to continue supporting Sweden’s operational capability and future readiness.”
We note that the delivery of the first upgraded RM12 engine highlights a broader trend in global defense procurement: the necessity of extending the operational lifespan of proven legacy platforms. While the Swedish Air Force is actively transitioning to the next-generation Gripen E/F, maintaining a robust and capable fleet of Gripen C/D aircraft remains essential for national security and regional stability.
By investing £32 million into the RM12EP programme, Sweden is ensuring a cost-effective bridge between aircraft generations. The enhancements to thrust and endurance not only improve the tactical capabilities of the Gripen C/D but also optimize maintenance schedules and reduce long-term operational costs. This dual-track approach, upgrading existing assets while procuring new ones, allows the Swedish Armed Forces to maintain a high state of readiness without compromising on technological advancement.
Furthermore, keeping the upgrade work localized at the Trollhättan facility secures domestic aerospace expertise and supply chain resilience. As geopolitical tensions in Europe remain a focal point for defense ministries, the ability to independently maintain and upgrade critical defense infrastructure is a significant strategic advantage for Sweden.
The RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme is an upgrade initiative led by GKN Aerospace for the Swedish Armed Forces. Launched in 2019, it aims to improve the thrust, endurance, and efficiency of the RM12 engines powering the JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft.
According to GKN Aerospace, the programme is valued at approximately £32 million, which equates to SEK 400 million.
All development, manufacturing, and maintenance work for the RM12 engine upgrades is carried out at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden.
The RM12EP programme involves strong collaboration between GKN Aerospace and key industry partners, including GE and Saab.
The RM12EP Upgrade Programme
Technical Enhancements
Production and Partnerships
Strategic Implications for the Swedish Air Force
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RM12EP programme?
How much is the RM12EP programme worth?
Where is the upgrade work being performed?
Who are the key partners in this programme?
Sources
Photo Credit: GKN Aerospace
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