Türkiye’s Eurofighter Typhoon Deal Gains Momentum as UK Submits Formal Offer

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Türkiye’s bid to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets is advancing steadily, with the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence officially submitting a sales proposal to Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense.

According to Turkish media reports citing sources, Türkiye’s defense ministry is now conducting a thorough review of the sales offer, a critical step in the procurement process.

“We previously announced that an official document had been prepared regarding the acquisition of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to meet the operational demands of our air force. This document was submitted to the UK Ministry of Defence and the relevant manufacturer, with the expectation of receiving a counteroffer,” a source told Turkish media.

“The anticipated offer has now reached our ministry, and the evaluation process is currently underway.”

Developed by a four-nation European consortium—comprising the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Italy—the Eurofighter Typhoon’s export requires unanimous approval from all partner countries.

Türkiye’s pursuit of the Eurofighter Typhoon gained renewed momentum late last year, following Germany’s decision to grant the consortium’s manufacturers permission to explore the sale, signaling a shift from Berlin’s previous opposition.

Sources have also revealed that UK Defence Secretary John Healey visited Ankara and held talks with his Turkish counterpart.

 

As part of the growing defense ties between Türkiye and the UK, two Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon jets landed at Murted Air Base in Ankara last December, allowing Turkish officials to conduct a direct evaluation of the aircraft.

The presence of these jets underscored the progress in Türkiye’s acquisition efforts, despite Germany’s continued reservations over the sale.

Further strengthening the bilateral defense dialogue, Turkish Chief of General Staff General Metin Gürak visited the United Kingdom in September last year.

During his trip, he toured RAF Coningsby, a key airbase housing Eurofighter Typhoon squadrons, where he was given the opportunity to closely assess the very fighter jets Türkiye has been seeking to acquire for years.

Despite Germany’s persistent objections, Türkiye’s bid to purchase the Eurofighter Typhoon has reportedly received firm backing from the governments of the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.

Türkiye has long expressed a strong interest in acquiring the Eurofighter Typhoon to modernize its air force, particularly following its removal from the F-35 program.

However, Germany has consistently blocked Ankara’s efforts to secure the aircraft.

Türkiye was expelled from the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet program after proceeding with the acquisition of Russia’s S-400 “Triumf” long-range air defense system, a move that triggered Western sanctions and diplomatic friction.

Germany’s reluctance to approve the Eurofighter Typhoon sale to Türkiye is reportedly tied to Ankara’s vocal criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, adding a political dimension to the defense procurement negotiations.

Türkiye is seeking to procure the latest variant of the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Tranche 4, which features the cutting-edge AESA CAPTOR-E radar.

Recognized as Europe’s most advanced multi-role fighter variant, the Tranche 4 is expected to remain operational well into 2060.

Germany itself has placed an order for 38 Tranche 4 Eurofighter Typhoons, underscoring the aircraft’s long-term strategic value.

If the deal materializes, Türkiye aims to integrate 40 Tranche 4 Eurofighter Typhoons into its air force, complementing its fleet of aging F-16s, which remain the backbone of its aerial combat capabilities.

As negotiations continue, all eyes are on Berlin, whose final approval remains the key to unlocking Türkiye’s long-awaited Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA