The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, Türkiye has taken a dual approach to strengthen its air force, securing a major arms deal with the United States and pursuing the Eurofighter Typhoon through a separate European partnership. This strategic maneuver, aimed at both maintaining operational capability and increasing autonomy within NATO, has been unfolding over several years amidst complex negotiations, shifting alliances, and rising regional threats.
In recent comments on Turkish television, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler confirmed the acquisition plans, emphasizing the importance of these developments for Türkiye’s national security and defense autonomy. “Currently, our relations with our American friends are very positive. The contracts for the acquisition of 40 F-16 Vipers are signed. We will also acquire 40 Eurofighter Typhoons,” Güler stated, underscoring Türkiye’s objective to reinforce its defense forces amid fluctuating geopolitical pressures.
Türkiye’s exclusion from the F-35 program in 2019 marked a turning point in its defense relations with the U.S. After Türkiye purchased Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems, the U.S. and NATO allies expressed concerns over potential security risks posed by the S-400’s advanced radar technology, which could, in theory, compromise NATO’s aircraft stealth capabilities, including the F-35. Consequently, Türkiye’s participation in the JSF program was halted, sidelining its planned procurement of F-35s and prompting Ankara to seek alternative paths to modernization.
Initially, Türkiye demanded $1.4 billion in compensation from the U.S. for its exclusion from the F-35 program. By 2021, however, Türkiye had redefined its approach, opting instead to request authorization to purchase 40 F-16 Vipers along with 79 modernization kits to upgrade its existing F-16 fleet. This request, if approved, would provide Türkiye’s air force with advanced capabilities comparable to modern fifth-generation jets, ensuring its ability to perform both national defense and NATO missions effectively.
The request to purchase F-16s and modernization kits met resistance within the U.S. Congress, particularly from representatives concerned about Türkiye’s shifting alliances and its stance on various regional issues. However, President Joe Biden’s administration viewed the sale through a broader strategic lens, seeing it as an opportunity to influence Türkiye’s policies on critical matters. The administration advocated for the F-16 sale partly as leverage to encourage Türkiye’s support for Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO, a move viewed as essential for counterbalancing Russian influence in the region.
In 2023, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) authorized the potential sale of the F-16 package, which included additional armaments such as AIM-9X Block II missiles, AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles, and GBU-39/B bombs. The estimated $23 billion deal promised to bolster Türkiye’s aerial defense capabilities, positioning it as a more resilient NATO ally amid escalating regional tensions.
Parallel to its U.S. dealings, Türkiye signaled its intention to procure 40 Eurofighter Typhoon EF-2000s, an advanced, multi-role aircraft developed through a collaboration between the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Initially, Germany raised objections to Türkiye’s potential Eurofighter purchase, citing concerns over Türkiye’s internal policies and regional actions. However, in an indication of shifting European defense dynamics, German authorities eventually lifted their opposition, facilitating Türkiye’s access to the Typhoon. This dual acquisition strategy highlights Türkiye’s determination to sustain high-level air capabilities through diversified defense sources, thus reducing dependency on any single supplier.
For Türkiye, the acquisition of the Eurofighter Typhoons not only represents an expansion of its aerial capabilities but also an alignment with a European-led defense initiative, giving Ankara greater strategic options. By pursuing both U.S. and European fighter jets, Türkiye reinforces its role as a key player in NATO while simultaneously signaling to regional allies and adversaries its commitment to a multi-faceted defense approach.
While Türkiye actively pursues the F-16 and Eurofighter Typhoon acquisitions, it has also been investing heavily in its indigenous fifth-generation fighter program, the Kaan. Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the Kaan made its maiden flight in February 2024 and symbolizes Türkiye’s long-term ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in defense technology. Though still in development, the Kaan fighter is expected to incorporate stealth capabilities and advanced avionics, positioning it as a strategic asset that could rival other fifth-generation fighters in the coming decade.
However, without the immediate reinforcement of the F-16s and Eurofighter Typhoons, Türkiye’s air force modernization efforts could face operational delays. Regional tensions, particularly with neighboring Greece, amplify the urgency of acquiring these fighters. Greece, a longstanding rival of Türkiye, has recently bolstered its own air force by procuring Dassault Rafale jets from France and upgrading a portion of its F-16 fleet to the “Viper” standard. With both countries enhancing their air defense capabilities, the Mediterranean region faces an increasingly complex security environment, underscoring the strategic importance of Türkiye’s recent defense agreements.
The F-16 Block 70/72 “Viper” represents the latest advancement in the F-16 family, offering a range of enhancements that align with the demands of modern warfare.
- APG-83 SABR AESA Radar: This active electronically scanned array radar provides superior targeting and tracking capabilities, enhancing Türkiye’s situational awareness and responsiveness.
- Advanced Mission Computer and Center Pedestal Display: These upgrades improve data processing speed and display resolution, facilitating more effective mission execution.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Link 16 capabilities allow for better communication and interoperability with NATO allies, a crucial element for joint operations.
These upgrades are expected to increase the Turkish Air Force’s effectiveness in a variety of mission types, including air-to-air combat, precision strike, and homeland defense.
Türkiye’s decision to pursue both the F-16 Viper and Eurofighter Typhoon not only boosts its air defense capabilities but also holds significant implications for its role within NATO. By acquiring these fighters, Türkiye strengthens its position as a capable NATO ally, prepared to contribute to regional security missions and potential high-stakes operations. Moreover, the diversification of defense suppliers—from the U.S. to the U.K. and other European partners—demonstrates Türkiye’s interest in balancing its relations with multiple Western allies.
The Biden administration’s support for the F-16 deal underscores the geopolitical importance of maintaining strong defense ties with Türkiye, particularly as NATO confronts challenges from Russia and other regional actors. Meanwhile, the Eurofighter acquisition reinforces Türkiye’s alignment with European defense efforts, potentially enabling Ankara to contribute more robustly to EU-led security initiatives in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions.
With Türkiye set to receive both the F-16s and Eurofighter Typhoons, its air force will benefit from a formidable boost in operational capability. Yet, these acquisitions come with significant diplomatic and strategic balancing acts. While the U.S. remains a crucial defense partner, the European component of Türkiye’s defense strategy suggests a commitment to autonomy and a nuanced approach to alliance politics.
As Türkiye continues to develop the Kaan fighter program and build indigenous defense technologies, its defense strategy signals an ambition to lessen its reliance on foreign suppliers over the long term. However, until the Kaan is fully operational, Türkiye’s approach of leveraging Western partners, both American and European, is likely to play a central role in its defense policy.
