Türkiye Nears $5 Billion Eurofighter Jet Deal to Enhance Air Superiority and Strike Capability
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Türkiye is close to finalizing a preliminary agreement worth several billion dollars for the acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal on July 21, 2025. The deal, which could be announced in the coming days, would mark a significant step for Ankara in its efforts to modernize its air fleet, while reviving interest in a European program that has long been overshadowed by the dominance of the American F-35 on the global fighter market.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Türkiye has expressed interest in acquiring the Eurofighter since 2023, positioning itself as a potential buyer of this fourth-generation multirole aircraft (Picture source: Uk MoD)
According to sources familiar with the negotiations cited by the American daily, the pending agreement could be valued at approximately $5.6 billion and include up to forty aircraft. However, the final number of jets and their specific configurations are still under discussion between the parties involved. This procurement project represents both an industrial and diplomatic stake for Türkiye as well as for the European consortium behind the Typhoon, namely BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine multirole combat aircraft designed by the European consortium comprising BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo. The aircraft is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, maritime strike, and suppression of enemy air defenses. It features 13 hardpoints capable of carrying a diverse array of air-to-air, air-to-ground, anti-radar, and anti-ship missiles, as well as guided bombs. Its aerodynamic design and twin EUROJET EJ200 engines provide the aircraft with notable maneuverability and a high thrust-to-weight ratio that supports both performance and upgrade potential.
In terms of detection and protection systems, the Eurofighter is equipped with the Captor-M radar and is set to incorporate the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which offers extended range and a wider field of view. Sensor fusion, combined with the PIRATE infrared search and track system and electronic warfare capabilities, provides the pilot with enhanced situational awareness. The aircraft also features secure communication systems such as the MIDS and an advanced avionics suite designed to facilitate complex single-seat operations.
Türkiye’s interest in acquiring the Eurofighter is not recent. Since 2023, the country has positioned itself as a potential buyer of this fourth-generation multirole fighter. However, negotiations had stalled due to Germany’s initial reluctance to grant export licenses. Berlin, holding veto power over any Eurofighter sale, had previously blocked progress citing political concerns and human rights considerations. In recent months, the German government appears to have eased its position, potentially paving the way for an agreement to be announced during the International Defense Industry Fair in Istanbul, scheduled to take place from Tuesday to Sunday this week.
Currently, according to the Military Balance 2025, Türkiye’s air force maintains a fleet primarily composed of F-16 Fighting Falcons. The inventory includes 279 fighter and ground attack aircraft: 27 F-16C Block 30, 162 F-16C Block 50, 14 F-16C Block 50+, 8 F-16D Block 30, 33 F-16D Block 50, and 16 F-16D Block 50+. In addition, 19 upgraded F-4E Phantom 2020 aircraft remain in service for ground attack missions.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously stated that Germany and the United Kingdom had adopted a positive stance regarding the Eurofighter sale to Türkiye. He also expressed Ankara’s intention to finalize the transaction as soon as possible, reflecting Türkiye’s urgent need to strengthen its air capabilities amid growing regional security challenges.
If completed, this order would significantly reinforce Türkiye’s air force capabilities and provide a boost to the Eurofighter program, which seeks to sustain its production line against competition from newer platforms. For the European manufacturers involved, securing a contract with a strategic partner like Türkiye would represent both commercial and diplomatic leverage within a shifting landscape of military alliances and global power balances.
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Türkiye is close to finalizing a preliminary agreement worth several billion dollars for the acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal on July 21, 2025. The deal, which could be announced in the coming days, would mark a significant step for Ankara in its efforts to modernize its air fleet, while reviving interest in a European program that has long been overshadowed by the dominance of the American F-35 on the global fighter market.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Türkiye has expressed interest in acquiring the Eurofighter since 2023, positioning itself as a potential buyer of this fourth-generation multirole aircraft (Picture source: Uk MoD)
According to sources familiar with the negotiations cited by the American daily, the pending agreement could be valued at approximately $5.6 billion and include up to forty aircraft. However, the final number of jets and their specific configurations are still under discussion between the parties involved. This procurement project represents both an industrial and diplomatic stake for Türkiye as well as for the European consortium behind the Typhoon, namely BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine multirole combat aircraft designed by the European consortium comprising BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo. The aircraft is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, maritime strike, and suppression of enemy air defenses. It features 13 hardpoints capable of carrying a diverse array of air-to-air, air-to-ground, anti-radar, and anti-ship missiles, as well as guided bombs. Its aerodynamic design and twin EUROJET EJ200 engines provide the aircraft with notable maneuverability and a high thrust-to-weight ratio that supports both performance and upgrade potential.
In terms of detection and protection systems, the Eurofighter is equipped with the Captor-M radar and is set to incorporate the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which offers extended range and a wider field of view. Sensor fusion, combined with the PIRATE infrared search and track system and electronic warfare capabilities, provides the pilot with enhanced situational awareness. The aircraft also features secure communication systems such as the MIDS and an advanced avionics suite designed to facilitate complex single-seat operations.
Türkiye’s interest in acquiring the Eurofighter is not recent. Since 2023, the country has positioned itself as a potential buyer of this fourth-generation multirole fighter. However, negotiations had stalled due to Germany’s initial reluctance to grant export licenses. Berlin, holding veto power over any Eurofighter sale, had previously blocked progress citing political concerns and human rights considerations. In recent months, the German government appears to have eased its position, potentially paving the way for an agreement to be announced during the International Defense Industry Fair in Istanbul, scheduled to take place from Tuesday to Sunday this week.
Currently, according to the Military Balance 2025, Türkiye’s air force maintains a fleet primarily composed of F-16 Fighting Falcons. The inventory includes 279 fighter and ground attack aircraft: 27 F-16C Block 30, 162 F-16C Block 50, 14 F-16C Block 50+, 8 F-16D Block 30, 33 F-16D Block 50, and 16 F-16D Block 50+. In addition, 19 upgraded F-4E Phantom 2020 aircraft remain in service for ground attack missions.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously stated that Germany and the United Kingdom had adopted a positive stance regarding the Eurofighter sale to Türkiye. He also expressed Ankara’s intention to finalize the transaction as soon as possible, reflecting Türkiye’s urgent need to strengthen its air capabilities amid growing regional security challenges.
If completed, this order would significantly reinforce Türkiye’s air force capabilities and provide a boost to the Eurofighter program, which seeks to sustain its production line against competition from newer platforms. For the European manufacturers involved, securing a contract with a strategic partner like Türkiye would represent both commercial and diplomatic leverage within a shifting landscape of military alliances and global power balances.