Germany Finally Approves Sale of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon Jets to Turkey
Speaking to TV100, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler stated that the German government initially opposed the sale of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey but ultimately agreed after pressure from European countries involved in the development of the aircraft.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler announced that Germany has approved the sale of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey.
This decision signals Germany’s removal of its previous opposition to Turkey’s proposed procurement of the Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
Speaking to TV100, Guler stated that while the German government initially resisted the sale, it ultimately agreed after pressure from other European nations involved in the development of the Eurofighter Typhoon.
“We will be purchasing 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. Germany had blocked the sale for quite some time but finally agreed following pressure from NATO allies like Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain,” Guler said.
The Eurofighter Typhoon was developed by a consortium of four nations: Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy.
Germany has yet to release an official statement regarding its approval of the sale to Turkey.
Turkey has long sought the Eurofighter Typhoon to enhance its air force capabilities, but its ambitions were previously stymied by Germany.
Reports suggest that Germany’s reluctance was partly due to Turkey’s critical stance on Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant casualties.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey urged German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to drop his opposition to the Eurofighter Typhoon sale.
In June, Eurofighter CEO Giancarlo Mezzanatto confirmed Turkey’s strong interest in acquiring 40 to 50 Eurofighter Typhoons, potentially the latest variant, though this move was blocked by Germany.
Mezzanatto suggested Germany’s opposition may have been influenced by Turkey’s gas exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, which have heightened tensions with neighboring Greece, Cyprus, and their allies.
Eurofighter Typhoon
In November last year, Turkey announced it had begun discussions with Eurofighter consortium nations, particularly the United Kingdom, to acquire 40 of the latest Eurofighter Typhoon variants known as “Tranche 4.”
However, Germany’s stance delayed Turkey’s acquisition plans.
Although the United States has approved Turkey’s purchase of 40 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets and 80 modernization kits worth $23 billion, Turkey has maintained its interest in the Eurofighter Typhoon.
German labor unions have called on the government to expedite Turkey’s purchase request, fearing that rejecting the sale could result in significant job losses in Germany’s defense sector.
Recently, Turkish Armed Forces Chief of General Staff General Metin Gurak visited the United Kingdom, where he toured RAF Coningsby, a Royal Air Force base that houses Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
Turkey is seeking the Eurofighter Typhoon’s latest variant, “Tranche 4,” which features an advanced AESA radar system, “CAPTOR E.”
The Tranche 4 variant is regarded as Europe’s most advanced fighter jet, with an operational lifespan that could extend until 2060. Germany has ordered 38 units of the Typhoon Tranche 4. – DSA