Historic Eurofighter pact boosts Türkiye’s air power and NATO role Analysis by Atlantic Council

Last month, Türkiye and the United Kingdom officially signed a historic defence agreement, which carries not only military consequences but also significant geopolitical implications.

According to the Atlantic Council analysis, Ankara committed to purchasing twenty new Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from London. The procurement is valued at $10.7 billion and represents the first new export order for the base model since 2017.

The deal highlights both London’s aggressive push to enter the lucrative Turkish arms market and Ankara’s urgent need to modernise its air deterrence capabilities. Türkiye’s attempts to upgrade its F-16V fleet and rejoin the F-35 joint strike fighter program had reached a dead end. This acquisition could deepen defence-industrial cooperation between the two NATO countries, which are not EU members and are located on Europe’s western and eastern flanks.

The article notes that under the agreement, the British defence giant BAE Systems will manage the production process, which is expected to create 20,000 new jobs across the UK.

Through this move, Ankara simultaneously modernises its air force and strengthens cooperation within NATO. Türkiye is no longer just a buyer; it is moving toward becoming a partner in defence.

The Eurofighter package will be equipped with Meteor and Brimstone missiles, which “elevates” Türkiye’s air deterrence capabilities to a new level.

According to the analysis, the deal gives Türkiye not only fighter jets but also operational freedom. Ankara is likely to request that the European Eurofighter Typhoon consortium certify its own weapon systems for the future tactical air wing of the Turkish Air Force. This would provide Ankara with greater flexibility in operational planning, freeing it from reliance on the European configuration of Eurofighter weapon systems.

The report also notes that Ankara is seeking a temporary solution by drawing on Eurofighter Typhoon reserves in Qatar and Oman before deliveries begin. This will allow Turkish pilots and maintenance specialists to gain early operational experience with the Eurofighter.

The Atlantic Council describes the Eurofighter as Türkiye’s response to fifth-generation challenges using fourth-generation aircraft. The agreement makes Turkish-British defence cooperation permanent and provides Türkiye with the technical foundation for developing the KAAN program.

While not a comprehensive solution for Türkiye, the deal is considered the most viable option under tight time constraints. The Eurofighter will provide immediate support to the Turkish Air Force according to NATO standards. With this move, Türkiye has developed an alternative to U.S.-oriented arms markets and built a new bridge to the European defence industry.

The Eurofighter supply agreement will strengthen Türkiye’s position not only militarily but also diplomatically, the analysis noted.

The move gives Ankara strategic flexibility, effectively serving as an insurance policy, it concludes.

By Tamilla Hasanova