Despite F-16 deal, Türkiye wants Eurofighter, too

Bulgarian Military.com carries an article about Türkiye’s intention to buy the European Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, Caliber.Az reprints the article.

Türkiye has not given up on the acquisition of the European Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler announced to CNN Turk.

However, Germany’s opposition to the sale of Typhoons to Türkiye also continues, Guler added. 

“The Eurofighter isn’t an asset exclusive to our allies in Germany. We too have an interest in these aircraft, but there are certain issues our German counterparts are wrestling with that we, as NATO members, can’t accept. We’ve been vocal about this. I’m confident these matters will be sorted out soon, and perhaps the commencement of Eurofighter sales to Saudi Arabia might be the catalyst to this resolution,” stated the Turkish politician on a broadcast. 

As for the other US fighter jet, the F-35, Guler stated he still doesn’t know “where the topic” of the F-35 will go for Türkiye. He recalled that the development of the domestic program for the fifth-generation KAAN fighter is currently underway. Guler welcomed Greece’s acquisition of the F-35, saying that “Greece is a member of NATO.” At the same time, according to him, “the F-35 does not represent a capability by itself in the Aegean Sea against Türkiye.”

TurkDef observations suggest that Türkiye is looking beyond the F-16 Block 70 fighters and modernization kits approved by the US State Department in its quest for additional new aircraft. The Eurofighter Typhoon’s ability to fulfill multiple roles and its compatibility with NATO equipment make it particularly appealing. Despite Germany’s reluctance, the UK appears more open to discussing this topic. 

Contrary to Saudi Arabia, which maintains a strong alliance with Israel, Türkiye lacks such a partnership. This difference explains Germany’s change in stance regarding aircraft sales to Saudi Arabia earlier this year, predominantly influenced by Israel’s position. Riyadh’s assurances of regional security and the potential for supporting Israel amidst future threats have undoubtedly played a role. 

The German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock didn’t overlook Saudi Arabia’s instrumental role in mitigating the ongoing security crisis in the Middle East region during her diplomatic tour. Following the unsettling Israel-Hamas conflict that erupted on October 7, she acknowledged Saudi Arabia and Israel’s firm commitment to de-escalation despite the tense situation.

Eurofighter is not at the top of the pyramid

Once revered as the zenith of European fighter supremacy, the Typhoon has diminished in stature in recent times. Rival aircraft, such as France’s Rafale, now surpass it across various parameters. Disappointing sales figures, exacerbated by politically motivated refusal of sales, have seemingly undermined its market positioning. 

Political landscapes breed peculiar alliances, like Türkiye’s somewhat unexpected backing not from Israel, but arguably more robust support from German trade unions. Late last year saw German unions rallying with Turkey to secure the Eurofighter deal, prompted by fears of unemployment should these contracts not come to fruition. 

From MTU Aero Engines, a powerhouse in aircraft engine production, there’s an air of desperation for the Eurofighter contracts, perceived as a lifeline for future defense production in Germany. A spokesperson has raised a sense of urgency, “To future-proof our positions, key decisions need to be made promptly. This necessitates transparency in our planning, especially in the defense sector, about the Eurofighter’s future. The initiation of a contract for its ongoing development is crucial before the current period concludes.”

The Typhoon

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly agile, twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multi-role fighter jet. It was designed and built by a consortium of three companies: Alenia Aermacchi, Airbus Group, and BAE Systems. It was first introduced into service in 2003 and is currently used by several countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. 

Impressively, the dimensions of the Eurofighter Typhoon are as follows: a length of 15.96 meters [52.36 feet], a wingspan of 10.95 meters [35.93 feet], and a height of 5.28 meters [17.32 feet]. The aircraft carries a maximum takeoff weight of 23,500 kilograms [51,809 pounds]. 

The Eurofighter Typhoon is lauded for its advanced capabilities. It can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.0 [2,495 km/h, or 1,550 mph] at high altitude, and has a range of 2,900 kilometers [1,800 miles]. Additionally, the aircraft boasts a service ceiling of 19,812 meters [65,000 feet] and a rate of climb of 315 meters per second [62,000 feet per minute].

Avionics and armament

The avionics of the Eurofighter Typhoon are state-of-the-art. The aircraft features the CAPTOR-E active electronically scanned array radar system, PIRATE [Passive Infra-Red Airborne Track Equipment] for air-to-air and air-to-surface detection, and the Defensive Aids Sub System [DASS] which provides a full spectrum of defensive measures. 

The Eurofighter Typhoon is equipped with a wide range of armaments. It can carry air-to-air, air-to-surface, and anti-ship missiles, as well as a 27mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon. The aircraft also has 13 hardpoints for weapon payloads, allowing it to carry a maximum external load of 9,000 kilograms [19,800 pounds].