(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Turkey’s strong condemnation of Israel for its military operations in Gaza has provoked a vehement response from Germany, a staunch ally of Tel Aviv, signaling readiness for retaliation.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is reportedly planning to block Ankara’s intention to purchase 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets.
The Chancellor is expected to disapprove the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, according to a senior German official.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is said to present the country’s request to buy the jets in a meeting with Chancellor Scholz in Berlin this Friday.
Erdogan wants Germany to lift the weapons export ban imposed by Berlin on Ankara, allowing Turkey to proceed with the acquisition process for the fighter jets produced by four European countries.
If Germany officially rejects Turkey’s request, it could strain diplomatic relations between the two NATO member countries.
Following Israel’s brutal attacks on Gaza, which have claimed over 11,000 lives, Turkey has condemned Tel Aviv, labeling it a “terrorist state.”
Turkey has also refused to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, contrary to the stance of other European countries and NATO member states.
Germany, a strong supporter of Israel, disapproves of Erdogan’s government actions, both in terms of its diplomatic relations with Israel and its military actions against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
This has led to a deterioration of Germany’s relations with Ankara, which has the largest ethnic Turkish population in Europe.
The Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets that Turkey seeks to acquire are built by four European countries: the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Approval from all four nations is required before the sale can proceed to any country.
Turkey aims to replace its aging F-4 Phantom fighter jets with the Eurofighter Typhoon to meet its modern fighter aircraft needs.
This urgency arises, especially after being excluded from the development program of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets by the United States due to Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 “Triumf” air defense system.
To address the gap in its fighter jet capabilities, Turkey has initiated the development of its fifth-generation fighter jet called “KAAN,” expected to be operational by 2028-2029.
The proposed acquisition of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets is likely the first phase, with additional purchases expected in subsequent phases.
If Germany rejects Turkey’s proposal to acquire the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, Turkey’s options may involve seeking alternative suppliers or pursuing other avenues to meet its defense needs. — DSA
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