UK and Germany Agree to Sell Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter Jets to Turkey

Latest Developments

Turkey to Purchase 40 Jets: Turkey reached preliminary deals with both the United Kingdom and Germany on July 23 for the possible purchase of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. British Defense Secretary John Healey heralded the agreements as bringing Turkey “one step closer to a fully comprehensive agreement” that would bolster the air capabilities of both Ankara and NATO. The jet is produced by a consortium that includes companies from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, and the sale requires agreement from each multinational partner.
Germany Nixed Previous Efforts: Since 2023, Turkey has sought to bolster and modernize its air force with the Eurofighter, but its previous efforts were held up by Germany. Berlin cited Ankara’s tensions with Greece, as well as its record on human rights and democracy, as the reason for blocking the multibillion-dollar deal. Turkey reportedly assured stakeholders in the review process that the jets would only be used in solidarity with NATO and not against another member state.
Attempts to Reenter F-35 Program: Turkey has been in consultations with the United States over the purchase of 40 F-16 fighter jets and is making additional efforts to be reinstated into the United States’ fifth-generation F-35 program. Turkey was removed from the program in 2019 after procuring the Russian-made S-400 air defense system despite warnings from Washington. There is concern that if Turkey operated both the F-35 and S-400, sensitive information regarding the aircraft could be compromised and potentially obtained by Russia. Current U.S. law prohibits Turkey from acquiring the F-35 unless the administration certifies that Turkey no longer possesses the S-400. Israeli officials have urged the United States not to allow Turkey to reenter the program, citing concerns over Ankara’s ambitions in the region and the escalating anti-Israel rhetoric by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

FDD Expert Analysis

“Turkey may be a member of NATO, but Erdogan is an ally of Hamas. After October 7, Erdogan chose Hamas over the United States. And Erdogan refuses to give up the S-400 air defense system, which creates genuine concerns in the alliance. Not exactly the behavior one would reasonably expect from a NATO ally in good standing. There should be consequences for Erdogan’s actions on Hamas and the S-400.” — Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power

“Approving the sale of Eurofighter jets to Turkey contradicts the German government’s previous decision to block the sale based on Turkey’s ties to and ongoing support for terrorist groups. Europe and the United States should not be rewarding a state sponsor of terrorism by authorizing the sale and transfer of high-end military equipment that can cause significant harm to Western security interests. It is due to such reasons that Washington remains committed to blocking the sale of fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey.” — Sinan Ciddi, Senior Fellow

“Turkey’s pursuit of the Eurofighter is less about developing military capability and more about ingratiating itself with Europe. Turkey has been approved for the purchase of advanced F-16 aircraft from the United States but has refused to move forward with the purchase. The signing of a memorandum of understanding with Germany and the United Kingdom marks the first step in Turkey’s effort to secure access to billions of dollars in potential defense contracts that Europe is pursuing through the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, which was approved in May. Turkey is hoping this move will make Europe more dependent on Turkish defense manufacturing in the long term.” — Tyler Stapleton, Director of Government Relations at FDD Action