Turkey’s Eurofighter Typhoon Agreement Advances as the UK Presents Official Proposal

Turkey’s efforts to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets are progressing smoothly, as the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence has officially presented a sales proposal to Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense.

Reports from Turkish media, citing informed sources, indicate that Turkey’s defense ministry is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the sales proposal, which is a vital phase in the procurement process.

“We previously announced that an official document had been prepared concerning the acquisition of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to fulfill our air force’s operational requirements. This document was submitted to the UK Ministry of Defence and the relevant manufacturer, with the anticipation of receiving a counteroffer,” a source informed Turkish media.

“The expected offer has now been received by our ministry, and the evaluation process is in progress.”

The Eurofighter Typhoon, developed by a consortium of four European nations—namely the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Italy—requires unanimous consent from all partner countries for export.

Turkey’s interest in the Eurofighter Typhoon gained significant traction late last year after Germany decided to allow the consortium’s manufacturers to pursue the sale, marking a departure from Berlin’s earlier resistance.

Additionally, sources have disclosed that UK Defence Secretary John Healey visited Ankara for discussions with his Turkish counterpart.

In line with the strengthening defense relationship between Türkiye and the UK, two Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon jets arrived at Murted Air Base in Ankara last December, enabling Turkish officials to perform a direct assessment of the aircraft.

The arrival of these jets highlighted the advancements in Türkiye’s procurement initiatives, despite ongoing concerns from Germany regarding the sale. To further enhance the bilateral defense discussions, Turkish Chief of General Staff General Metin Gürak visited the UK in September of the previous year. During his visit, he toured RAF Coningsby, a significant airbase that hosts Eurofighter Typhoon squadrons, where he had the chance to closely examine the fighter jets that Türkiye has been aiming to acquire for several years.

Despite Germany’s ongoing objections, Türkiye’s pursuit of the Eurofighter Typhoon has reportedly garnered strong support from the governments of the UK, Italy, and Spain. Türkiye has consistently shown a keen interest in obtaining the Eurofighter Typhoon to upgrade its air force, especially after its exclusion from the F-35 program.

Germany has persistently hindered Ankara’s attempts to obtain the aircraft. Türkiye was removed from the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet program after it moved forward with the purchase of Russia’s S-400 “Triumf” long-range air defense system, a decision that led to Western sanctions and diplomatic tensions. Germany’s hesitation to approve the Eurofighter Typhoon sale to Türkiye is believed to be linked to Ankara’s outspoken criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, introducing a political aspect to the defense procurement discussions.

Türkiye aims to acquire the latest version of the Eurofighter Typhoon, known as Tranche 4, which is equipped with the state-of-the-art AESA CAPTOR-E radar. Recognized as Europe’s most advanced multi-role fighter variant, the Tranche 4 is anticipated to remain operational until at least 2060.

Germany has officially ordered 38 Tranche 4 Eurofighter Typhoons, highlighting the aircraft’s enduring strategic importance. Should the agreement proceed, Türkiye plans to incorporate 40 Tranche 4 Eurofighter Typhoons into its air force, enhancing its aging fleet of F-16s, which continue to serve as the foundation of its aerial combat strength.

As discussions progress, attention is focused on Berlin, as its final endorsement is crucial for facilitating Türkiye’s long-anticipated acquisition of the Eurofighter Typhoon.