Turkey Moves Closer to Eurofighter Typhoon Deal with UK as Germany Signals Approval
Turkey is set to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon jets from the UK, with Germany’s long-awaited approval, marking a significant shift in NATO defense dynamics.
NewsSutra
Turkey is on the brink of finalizing a major defense procurement deal with the United Kingdom to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon jets, a move that could reshape its air force and signal a new chapter in NATO cooperation. After months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, the breakthrough came with a quiet but crucial nod from Germany—one of the key partner nations in the Eurofighter consortium.
This development marks a significant pivot in Turkey’s defense policy as it seeks to modernize its aging fleet amidst regional tensions and a changing geopolitical landscape. For Ankara, the acquisition is not merely a military decision but a strategic step toward securing its influence in both Europe and the Middle East.
Background: Turkey’s Search for a New Fighter Jet
Turkey’s interest in procuring advanced fighter jets intensified after its expulsion from the U.S.-led F-35 program in 2019. That fallout followed Ankara’s controversial purchase of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system—a move Washington warned would jeopardize NATO interoperability. As a result, Turkey found itself in need of a modern multirole aircraft to fill the capability gap left by the F-35.
While Turkey has been developing its indigenous 5th-generation fighter, the KAAN, formerly known as TF-X, the project remains years away from operational readiness. In the interim, Ankara has been exploring alternatives to bridge the gap—and the Eurofighter Typhoon emerged as the leading candidate.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, a product of a joint venture involving the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, is a combat-proven, twin-engine multirole aircraft capable of air superiority missions, ground attack, and reconnaissance. The platform is already in use by several NATO allies, offering a path to maintain operational compatibility within the alliance.
UK-Turkey Relations Strengthen Over Defense Ties
The UK has long advocated for closer defense cooperation with Turkey, seeing Ankara as a critical strategic partner in NATO. British officials have emphasized the mutual benefits of the Eurofighter deal—not only in military terms but also in boosting post-Brexit defense exports.
British Defence Secretary James Cartlidge, during his visit to Ankara in June 2025, praised Turkey’s “strategic importance and shared security priorities.” While he did not publicly confirm the agreement at that time, sources familiar with the discussions stated that the groundwork for the deal was already in place.
The UK has reportedly agreed to supply Turkey with 24 Eurofighter Typhoon jets in a phased delivery schedule over five years, with provisions for pilot training, maintenance support, and possible co-production arrangements with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
The German Approval: A Diplomatic Win for Ankara
What makes this deal especially noteworthy is Germany’s approval, a key factor in the transaction. Since the Eurofighter Typhoon is a multinational project, all partner nations must consent to any third-party sales. Germany had previously shown reluctance to approve the export of advanced military systems to countries with ongoing human rights concerns or active involvement in regional conflicts.
Ankara's military operations in Syria and its tense relations with Greece and Cyprus had fueled Berlin’s hesitancy in recent years. However, shifting geopolitical dynamics—particularly the war in Ukraine, NATO expansion, and Turkey’s growing role as a mediator in regional disputes—have softened Germany’s stance.
According to diplomatic insiders, Germany’s approval came after months of trilateral negotiations involving the UK, Germany, and Turkey, with Ankara reportedly providing new assurances on the use of the aircraft and reaffirming its commitment to NATO standards of engagement.
While the German government has not issued a formal statement, several Bundestag members confirmed to local media that the Security Council approved the export license quietly last week, marking a major breakthrough in Euro-Turkish defense relations.
Strategic Implications of the Eurofighter Acquisition
The addition of Eurofighter Typhoons to Turkey’s arsenal will significantly boost its air power capabilities. Currently, Turkey’s air force relies heavily on older F-16 Fighting Falcons, many of which are nearing the end of their operational lifespans. Although modernization programs are underway, Ankara is racing against time to avoid a capability gap.
The Eurofighter’s advanced radar systems, supercruise capability, and integrated electronic warfare suite make it an ideal platform for maintaining air dominance in contested environments. With tensions simmering in the Aegean Sea, Syria, and Libya, Turkey views this acquisition as essential to reinforcing its deterrence posture.
Moreover, the Typhoon’s interoperability with NATO allies enables Turkey to participate more actively in joint missions and exercises, especially as regional instability increases the demand for rapid response and coordinated air operations.
Economic and Industrial Collaboration on the Horizon
While the focus of the deal is on procurement, both British and Turkish officials have hinted at deeper industrial collaboration. Turkish defense industry sources have expressed interest in co-producing certain components of the Typhoon or participating in maintenance operations for regional fleets.
Turkey’s defense sector has grown significantly over the past decade, with companies like ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, and TAI gaining international recognition. A partnership with BAE Systems or Rolls-Royce could open new avenues for joint ventures, particularly in avionics, engines, and radar technologies.
In fact, the groundwork for such collaboration was laid years ago when BAE Systems partnered with TAI on the development of the KAAN stealth fighter. That relationship is expected to continue, potentially extending to training simulators, logistics, and engine development.
Reactions from NATO and Regional Players
Within NATO, the response to Turkey’s Eurofighter purchase has been cautiously optimistic. Allies like Italy and Spain, also part of the Eurofighter consortium, are said to support the move as a sign of renewed trust between Ankara and the alliance.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the developments, stating that “Turkey remains a vital contributor to NATO missions and its continued modernization strengthens the alliance as a whole.”
However, the deal has sparked concern in Greece and Cyprus, where defense analysts view the Typhoon’s capabilities as a potential escalation in the regional arms race. Athens has recently upgraded its fleet with French-made Rafale jets and has been modernizing its own F-16s to maintain air parity.
Turkey insists the Eurofighter acquisition is not directed at any specific nation, but is part of its broader defense modernization plan.
Challenges and Next Steps
While the diplomatic hurdles have largely been cleared, several technical and logistical issues remain. Integrating the Eurofighter into Turkey’s existing command and control infrastructure will require significant investment. Turkish pilots and ground crews will undergo retraining, and bases will need upgrades to accommodate the new aircraft.
Financially, the deal is expected to cost approximately €6.5 billion (₹58,000 crore), including logistics, weapons packages, and long-term support. The Turkish Parliament is expected to review the budget allocation next month, with initial deliveries targeted for early 2027.
Additionally, observers are watching to see how this deal might influence Turkey’s relationship with the U.S., particularly as Ankara continues to seek upgrades to its existing fleet of F-16s. The Eurofighter purchase could provide Turkey with more leverage in those discussions, while also reducing overreliance on American platforms.
Conclusion: A Strategic Reset
The impending procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon jets represents more than a defense deal for Turkey—it’s a statement of strategic realignment, technological ambition, and diplomatic maturity. With Germany’s reluctant but pivotal green light, Turkey has managed to thread a complex geopolitical needle, positioning itself as a more agile and autonomous military power within the NATO framework.
This move will not only bolster Turkey’s air capabilities but could also rejuvenate trust between Ankara and its Western allies, at a time when unity in the face of global threats is more critical than ever.
