(VIDEO/UPDATES) Two Eurofighter Typhoon Jets Land in Türkiye for Inspection

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Two Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets have landed at Murted Air Base in Ankara, Türkiye’s capital, for inspection by Turkish officials as Ankara pursues the acquisition of 40 of the fighter jets developed by a consortium of four European nations.

The Eurofighter Typhoon, developed by a consortium comprising the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Italy, requires unanimous approval from all four countries for its sale.

The arrival of the two Eurofighter Typhoon jets in Ankara marks significant progress in Türkiye’s efforts to acquire the aircraft, following earlier resistance from the German government.

With Germany recently dropping its opposition to the deal, the jets have been sent to Ankara for closer examination.

“The aircraft, arriving for evaluation by our Air Force, were welcomed by the UK Minister of State for Defence Procurement Maria Eagle, Turkish Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, Deputy Minister Şuay Alpay, and our military personnel on duty,” the Turkish Ministry of Defence announced on its X platform.

The ministry also confirmed that the jets arrived in Ankara after participating in exercises in Qatar.

According to earlier statements by Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, the RAF Typhoons were scheduled to fly from Qatar to Türkiye on December 18 for detailed inspection by Turkish authorities.

“These Eurofighter Typhoon jets, currently engaged in training exercises in Qatar, will undergo inspection upon their arrival in Ankara,” Güler said in an interview with Türkiye’s TRT Haber TV channel.

The RAF Eurofighter Typhoon flight to Ankara was escorted by Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets.

The Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition effort, which had previously faced “issues” stemming from German opposition, has now gained momentum.

Last month, Güler announced that Germany had given the green light for the sale of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Ankara, lifting its earlier objections after pressure from other European nations involved in the aircraft’s development.

For several years, Türkiye has expressed interest in procuring Eurofighter Typhoons to enhance its air force capabilities following its exclusion from the F-35 program.

This exclusion resulted from Türkiye’s acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 “Triumf” long-range air defense system.

Türkiye seeks the latest variant of the Eurofighter Typhoon, the “Tranche 4,” equipped with the advanced CAPTOR-E AESA radar.

This variant is considered the most modern European fighter jet, capable of serving until at least 2060.

Germany itself has ordered 38 Typhoon Tranche 4 aircraft. The Turkish interest in the advanced variant signals its commitment to bolstering its air force in the face of evolving regional and global security challenges.

Germany’s initial reluctance to approve the sale was reportedly tied to Türkiye’s sharp criticisms of Israeli military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant casualties.

However, following diplomatic pressure and regional considerations, Berlin ultimately approved the deal.

The arrival of these aircraft in Ankara underscores a new chapter in Türkiye’s efforts to modernize its military capabilities amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. — DSA