(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Worker unions in Germany are pressing the government to promptly approve Turkey’s application to acquire 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets.
Concerns are mounting that the German government’s potential “rejection” of Turkey’s request to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets could lead to the loss of thousands of jobs in the European defense industry.
The Typhoon fighter aircraft is produced by a consortium of European companies based in four countries: the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Reports from German media quoted statements by MTU Aero Engines, emphasizing that sealing the agreement with Turkey is critical for the survival of the defense industry in Germany, the largest economy in Europe.
MTU Aero Engines is one of the largest engine manufacturers in Europe.
The company stated that the termination of the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft production program would result in job losses among high-tech supplier communities in the coming years.
It stressed the importance of preserving the skilled workforce and production for the Future Combat Air System programs by European countries.
MTU Aero Engines also highlighted the crucial role of the engineers specializing in Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft in the efforts to upgrade the aircraft.
Meanwhile, Michael Reich, a director at Airbus, a company within the consortium developing the fighter jet, stated that finalizing the agreement with Turkey is vital as it reaffirms the “autonomy of the German military.”
Reich emphasized that confirming jobs and supply networks is crucial to ensuring “independence” in the military aerospace industry.
He echoed the sentiments of Thomas Pretzl, Chairman of the Airbus Defense and Space Works Council, who asserted that orders for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets are essential for ongoing development and building more aircraft.
This approach aims to provide the German government with alternatives, avoiding sole reliance on purchasing American fighter jets.
The German aerospace industry employs 25,000 workers and consists of 120 companies.
Turkey’s Defense Minister, Yasar Guler, confirmed the country’s intention to acquire 40 Typhoon fighter jets, with approvals already obtained from the United Kingdom and Spain.
Turkey’s recent criticisms of Israel on Gaza attacks have sparked anger from Germany, a “close ally” of Tel Aviv, which is now responding by blocking Ankara’s desire to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to Turkey’s actions by preventing Ankara’s plans to buy the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets.
A senior German official stated, “The Chancellor (Germany) will not allow the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets,” according to international media.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Germany to lift the arms export ban imposed by Berlin on Ankara, enabling the Mediterranean country to initiate the procurement process for the fighter jets manufactured by four European nations.
Turkey explicitly informed Germany that it has “other options” if the proposal to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets is rejected by Berlin.
President Erdogan emphasized this point during a recent joint media briefing with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Turkey aims to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to replace its aging F-4 Phantom fighter aircraft, which must be replaced promptly.
It needs to act swiftly to replace its aging fighter jets, especially after being excluded from the development program of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter aircraft by the United States.
Ankara was removed from the F-35 fighter aircraft development program by the United States after pursuing its intention to acquire the Russian-made S-400 “Triumf” air defense system.
To meet the demand for modern fighter aircraft, Turkey has initiated the development of its fifth-generation fighter aircraft called “KAAN,” but it is expected to become operational only in 2028-2029. — DSA