Two Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter Jets Flown to Türkiye for Closer “Inspection”
The presence of the two Typhoon fighter jets in Ankara marks progress in Türkiye's efforts to acquire the European fighter aircraft, which had previously faced opposition from the German government.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Two Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets will be flown to Türkiye from Qatar on December 18 for close inspection by Ankara, according to Türkiye’s Minister of Defence, Yasar Guler.
The two RAF fighter jets are currently in Qatar conducting joint training exercises with the Qatar Air Force.
Confirming the visit of the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoons to Türkiye, Guler stated that negotiations with the countries producing the fighter jets are progressing well.
“The two Eurofighter Typhoon jets, which are currently involved in training in Qatar, will undergo inspection as soon as they arrive in Ankara,” he said in a recent interview with Türkiye’s TRT Haber TV.
The presence of these Typhoon jets signifies progress in Türkiye’s efforts to acquire the aircraft, which had previously faced obstacles.
Earlier, the German government opposed the sale of these fighter jets to Türkiye.
The Eurofighter Typhoon was developed by a consortium of four European nations—United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Italy—requiring consensus among all four countries for any sale.
Last month, Türkiye’s Defence Minister announced that Germany had given the green light to the sale of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Ankara, effectively dropping its opposition to Türkiye’s procurement request.
Guler explained that Germany initially blocked the sale but eventually relented after pressure from other European NATO partners involved in the Eurofighter program.
“We are set to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Germany had opposed the sale for a long time but ultimately agreed after NATO allies like Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain pushed for the deal,” Guler said.
Eurofighter Typhoon
For several years, Türkiye has expressed strong interest in acquiring Eurofighter Typhoons to bolster its air force capabilities following its removal from the F-35 program. However, Germany’s opposition had stalled Ankara’s efforts.
Türkiye was expelled from the F-35 fifth-generation fighter jet program after it pursued the procurement of Russia’s S-400 “Triumf” long-range air defense system.
Germany reportedly withheld approval for the Eurofighter Typhoon sale to Türkiye due to its dissatisfaction with Ankara’s sharp criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza, which have claimed over 40,000 lives to date.
In June, Eurofighter CEO Giancarlo Mezzanatto confirmed Türkiye’s deep interest in acquiring between 40 and 50 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, likely the latest variant, but the deal was blocked by Germany.
The Italian CEO suggested that Germany’s reluctance stemmed from its displeasure over Türkiye’s gas exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Meanwhile, German trade unions are urging their government to approve Türkiye’s request to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets without delay.
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.
They expressed concerns that Germany’s rejection of Türkiye’s purchase could lead to significant job losses in the European defense industry.
Türkiye aims to procure the latest Eurofighter Typhoon variant, the “Tranche 4.”
Equipped with the AESA “CAPTOR E” radar, the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4 is regarded as Europe’s most advanced fighter jet variant, capable of remaining operational until 2060.