Türkiye is set to significantly enhance its aerial combat capabilities with the acquisition of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, marking a pivotal shift in its defense strategy. The procurement, expected in two phases, will initially include 20 pre-owned Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 1 aircraft from the United Kingdom, with deliveries anticipated as early as 2026. This move will be followed by the acquisition of 20 state-of-the-art Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4 fighters, equipped with cutting-edge Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) “CAPTOR E” radars, set to enter service by 2030.
Türkiye’s decision to procure Eurofighter Typhoons is driven by the urgent need to modernize its ageing fleet of F-16s amid protracted delays in receiving the latest F-16 Block 70 variants from the United States. The country’s aerial deterrence capabilities have been strained due to the obsolescence of its older aircraft and escalating regional tensions, particularly with Greece, which has recently enhanced its air force with 24 Rafale fighter jets from France. The advanced capabilities of the Rafale, particularly its electronic warfare systems and long-range air-to-air missiles, have altered the regional airpower balance, compelling Ankara to expedite its fighter jet modernization efforts.
The Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4, considered among Europe’s most advanced combat aircraft, is expected to remain strategically relevant until at least 2060. Notably, Germany has committed to acquiring 38 of these aircraft, underscoring their operational viability and long-term importance in European air defense.
While Türkiye is actively investing in acquiring foreign fighter jets, it is simultaneously advancing its indigenous fifth-generation fighter program, the KAAN, spearheaded by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The KAAN aircraft has completed only two test flights so far, with a crucial third test currently being prepared. However, full operational capability remains years away, with initial deliveries to the Turkish Air Force not expected before 2028.
The delayed operational timeline of the KAAN program makes the Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition a strategic necessity for maintaining air superiority in the interim period. By securing these aircraft, Türkiye aims to bridge the capability gap until the KAAN fighter becomes fully operational and combat-ready.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is developed by a four-nation consortium consisting of the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Given this structure, all partner nations must agree before an international sale is approved. Türkiye’s path to acquiring the Eurofighter faced significant political hurdles, particularly from Germany, which had initially objected due to concerns related to Türkiye’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, military operations in Syria, and delays in ratifying Sweden’s NATO accession.
However, these objections were eventually lifted in late 2024. On November 13, 2024, Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler confirmed that Germany had officially withdrawn its opposition, paving the way for the deal to move forward. The agreement gained further traction in December 2024, when two Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoons landed at Murted Air Base in Ankara for detailed inspections by Turkish Air Force officials. This visit signified a crucial step in solidifying the procurement process and overcoming previous political resistance.
The momentum behind the Eurofighter deal intensified on March 20, 2024, when Turkish Deputy Defence Minister Musa Heybet met with British Ambassador Jill Morris and her delegation in Ankara. The high-level discussions, also attended by Turkish senior defense officials, including Maj. Gen. İlkay Altındağ and Mehmet Avcı, focused on the technical and geopolitical implications of the sale.
Following these discussions, the U.K. Ministry of Defence officially submitted an offer for the Eurofighter sale to Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence. According to reports in Turkish media, Ankara had earlier prepared a procurement request outlining its requirement for 40 Eurofighter Typhoons. This request was sent to the U.K. Ministry of Defence and relevant manufacturers, awaiting a counteroffer. Sources now confirm that the anticipated offer has been received and is undergoing evaluation.
The acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoons will have a profound impact on the balance of power in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean regions. Türkiye and Greece have a history of military tensions, often revolving around territorial disputes and airspace violations. With Greece bolstering its air force with Rafale jets and additional F-35 purchases on the horizon, Türkiye’s need for advanced fighter jets has become increasingly pressing.
Without a capable replacement for its ageing F-16 fleet, Türkiye risks losing its strategic edge in regional aerial engagements. The Eurofighter Typhoons, particularly the Tranche 4 variant with AESA radar and enhanced avionics, will provide Ankara with a credible counterbalance to Greece’s growing aerial capabilities.
Türkiye’s pursuit of the Eurofighter Typhoon is also influenced by its strained defense relationship with the United States. Following its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system, Türkiye was expelled from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, despite having originally planned to acquire up to 100 F-35s.
In an effort to re-enter the program and gain access to advanced Western aircraft, Ankara has been lobbying for the removal of U.S. sanctions imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). If successful, this could reopen the possibility of acquiring the F-35, further diversifying Türkiye’s air combat capabilities and solidifying its place within NATO’s strategic framework.
Türkiye’s procurement of Eurofighter Typhoons marks a significant step in addressing its immediate air combat needs while continuing to pursue long-term defense autonomy through the KAAN fighter program. The deal represents a strategic realignment, enabling Türkiye to maintain aerial superiority in a rapidly evolving regional security environment.
With geopolitical challenges shaping its defense strategy, Ankara’s success in securing the Eurofighter deal demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a robust and modernized air force. As Türkiye continues to navigate complex diplomatic and military dynamics, the Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition stands as a crucial component of its broader defense policy aimed at ensuring national security and regional stability.
