UK and Turkey Secure Eurofighter Deal, Boosting Ankara’s Air Power
Turkey Eyes Return to the F‑35 Program
After the 2019 removal from the U.S.‑led F‑35 fighter jet family, Turkey has been exploring the possibility of re‑joining the initiative. The earlier exclusion was triggered by the nation’s decision to procure the Russian‑made S‑400 missile‑defense system.
Key Points
- Turkey’s potential re‑entry into the F‑35 partnership hinges on diplomatic negotiations with NATO allies.
- The move reflects Turkey’s desire to modernize its air force while addressing security concerns raised by the S‑400 acquisition.
- Re‑admission would require adjustments to existing protocols regarding technological sharing and aircraft integration.
Turkey Secures Preliminary Deal to Acquire Eurofighter Typhoon Jets
The United Kingdom and Turkey reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding Wednesday, setting the stage for the delivery of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to Ankara.
Key Points of the Agreement
- Signing Venue: The deal was formalized at a defence industry exhibition in Istanbul.
- Signatories: Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and UK Defence Secretary John Healey
- Aircraft Quantity: Turkey aims to procure 40 Typhoons, a mix of British, German and Italian engineering.
- Consortium Leadership: Britain spearheaded negotiations for the Eurofighter collaboration.
- Germany’s Position: Initially opposed the sale, Germany eventually reversed its stance.
Implications for Turkey’s Air Capabilities
With the memorandum in place, Ankara moves a step closer to, and potentially finalizes, the acquisition of modern fighter jets, bolstering its NATO commitments and air defence portfolio.
Turkey Seeks Inclusion in Eurofighter Typhoon Program amid NATO Tensions
February 17, 2022 – A striking image of a Eurofighter EF‑2000 Typhoon II, currently flown by Spanish air force crews from Bulgaria’s air‑policing deployment, underscores Turkey’s eager bid to join the elite Typhoon fleet.
Negotiations in Progress
- Turkish officials indicate ongoing discussions over the technology and pricing terms for the Typhoon aircraft.
- They have received an initial offer but intend to present a counter‑proposal shortly.
- Both sides consider the agreement a significant step toward integrating Turkey into the program.
Broader Context: F‑35 Re‑entry Efforts
Turkey has also been working to regain its position in the US‑led F‑35 fighter jet project, which was paused in 2019 after the nation purchased Russian‑made S‑400 missile defence systems. The United States flagged these systems as incompatible with NATO technology and a potential risk to F‑35 operations.
Domestic Development: The Kaan
In parallel, the Turkish defense sector is advancing its own fifth‑generation fighter, the Kaan, with the goal of achieving operational status by 2028. This indigenous project aims to reduce reliance on foreign platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Turkey’s Typhoon bid signals growing ambition for advanced fighter capabilities.
- F‑35 re‑entry remains a high‑priority objective amid geopolitical friction.
- The Kaan program exemplifies Turkey’s move toward self‑sufficiency in military aviation.
