Germany blocks Türkiye's procurement of Eurofighter jets - CEO

Eurofighter CEO Giancarlo Mezzanatto has confirmed Türkiye's interest in buying fighter jets.

Ankara intended to buy 40-50 aircraft, but Germany has blocked these efforts, Caliber.Az reports that Mezzanatto was saying this at the Farnborough International Airshow in England.

Mezzanatto suggested that the blockade by Germany may be related to Türkiye's natural gas exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Mediterranean Sea has long been the main cause of tension between Türkiye and Greece, in addition to the dispute over Cyprus and territorial sovereignty in the Aegean Sea.

On his return from Washington, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that at a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he raised the issue of purchasing Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

Background information:

Türkiye's interest in Eurofighter jets is part of its broader strategy to modernize its air force amidst regional tensions and evolving geopolitical dynamics. The Eurofighter Typhoon, a highly advanced multirole combat aircraft, is developed by a consortium of European aerospace companies from the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Türkiye's pursuit of these aircraft aligns with its ambition to bolster its military capabilities, particularly in light of its strategic position in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Eastern Mediterranean has been a hotbed of geopolitical tension, primarily due to competing claims over natural gas reserves. Türkiye's exploration activities in these waters have led to friction with neighboring Greece and Cyprus, both of whom dispute Türkiye's claims. This situation has further complicated Türkiye's relations with other European Union members, including Germany.

The bilateral meeting between Erdogan and Scholz highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address and possibly resolve these complex issues. Germany's blockade of Türkiye's purchase of Eurofighter jets reflects the broader geopolitical and economic considerations, as European nations navigate their relationships with Türkiye amidst the backdrop of regional disputes and energy politics.