Germany Reconsiders Turkiye’s Request to Purchase Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter Jets
According to international media reports citing sources, Germany is reviewing Türkiye’s request due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and the potential for open conflict between Iran and Israel.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The German government is reportedly considering reconsidering Türkiye’s request to purchase Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, developed by a consortium of four nations comprising the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Germany.
According to international media reports citing sources, Germany is reviewing Türkiye’s request due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and the potential for open conflict between Iran and Israel.
“We are reviewing Türkiye’s request to purchase the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets,” the source told the international media.
This statement about Germany’s willingness to revisit Türkiye’s request to buy the Eurofighter Typhoon comes shortly after the country’s media outlet, Der Spiegel, reported that Germany had approved the sale of various weapons systems worth US$368 million (RM1.5 billion) to Türkiye.
These include anti-aircraft missiles and torpedoes, as well as spare parts for modernizing submarines and frigates.
RAF Eurofighter Typhoon
In June, Eurofighter’s CEO confirmed that Türkiye had expressed strong interest in acquiring the Eurofighter Typhoon, but this was blocked by the German government.
Giancarlo Mezzanatto confirmed that Türkiye was looking to acquire between 40 and 50 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, likely the latest variant, but the effort was hindered by Germany.
The Italian CEO suggested that Germany’s opposition to Türkiye’s acquisition may have been driven by dissatisfaction over Ankara’s natural gas exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean waters.
Türkiye’s gas exploration has heightened tensions with its neighbors, particularly Greece and Cyprus, as well as their allies.
Germany was also reportedly reluctant to approve the sale of the Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Türkiye due to Ankara’s strong criticism of Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip, which have claimed 40,000 lives so far.
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to drop his opposition to the sale of the Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Ankara.
In November last year, Türkiye announced that it had begun discussions with the Eurofighter consortium countries, particularly the United Kingdom, to acquire 40 of the latest variant of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, known as “Tranche 4.”
However, Germany’s opposition has stalled Türkiye’s ambition to acquire the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Eurofighter Typhoon
Despite the United States granting approval for Türkiye to purchase 40 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets and 80 modernization kits worth US$23 billion (RM103 billion), Türkiye has maintained its interest in the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Trade unions in Germany are urging the government to approve Türkiye’s request to buy 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets swiftly.
They are concerned that Germany’s refusal to approve Türkiye’s application could result in thousands of job losses in the European nation’s defense industry.
Equipped with the AESA “CAPTOR E” radar, the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4 is considered Europe’s most advanced fighter jet variant, capable of serving until 2060.