Türkiye pushes to boost air power with Eurofighter, F-16, F-35 jets

Türkiye is stepping up efforts to strengthen its air force, seeking advanced fighter jets from European partners and the United States to catch up with regional rivals, sources familiar with the talks say.

Anxious to bolster its ageing fleet, NATO-member Türkiye, which has the alliance's second-largest military, is pursuing a combination of Eurofighter Typhoon, F-16, and eventually F-35 jets, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Ankara signed a preliminary agreement in July to acquire 40 Typhoons and is exploring ways to secure U.S.-made F-35s despite Washington's sanctions that have blocked any deal since 2020.

Strikes by Israel on Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Qatar have raised concerns in Ankara, highlighting vulnerabilities in Türkiye’s air power. Officials say this has accelerated the push for rapid reinforcement.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan has sharply criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and across the Middle East, and relations between the two countries have deteriorated. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Türkiye’s bases, rebel allies, and support for the Syrian army pose a threat to Israel.

Greece, while a largely symbolic rival, is expected to receive advanced F-35 jets in the next three years. In the past, Turkish and Greek jets have engaged in sporadic dogfights over the Aegean, raising tensions over Ankara’s military expansion.

Second-hand Typhoons to arrive quickly

Türkiye is negotiating to buy 12 second-hand Eurofighter Typhoons from Qatar and Oman to meet immediate needs, with the possibility of 28 new jets later, pending a final purchase agreement.

Erdoğan is expected to discuss numbers, pricing, and delivery timelines during visits to Qatar and Oman this week, before hosting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz later this month.

A UK government spokesperson said the July memorandum of understanding "paves the way for a multibillion-pound order of up to 40 aircraft," adding: "We look forward to agreeing the final contracting details soon."

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told broadcaster NTV that Berlin supported the purchase and that a deal could follow within the year. Türkiye’s defence ministry said no final agreement has been reached, but talks with Britain are progressing positively.

F-35 purchase remains challenging

Acquiring the advanced F-35s remains complicated, as Türkiye has been barred since 2020 due to its purchase of Russian S-400 air defences. Erdoğan failed to make progress on the issue during a White House meeting with President Donald Trump last month, but sources say Türkiye hopes to leverage the two leaders’ personal rapport and Erdoğan’s role in facilitating a Gaza ceasefire to eventually secure a deal.

Ankara has considered a U.S. presidential waiver to overcome CAATSA sanctions, which could smooth the path for both F-35 procurement and broader defence cooperation.

"Both sides know that resolving CAATSA needs to be done. Whether it is a presidential waiver or a congressional decision, that is up to the United States," said Harun Armagan, vice chair of foreign affairs for Erdoğan's ruling AK Party. "It looks awkward with all of the other diplomacy and cooperation happening at the same time."

A State Department spokesperson said Trump recognises Türkiye’s strategic importance and "his administration is seeking creative solutions to all of these pending issues," without providing further details.

Domestic defence projects and future plans

Frustrated by past tensions with the West and arms embargoes, Türkiye has developed its own KAAN stealth fighter, though officials acknowledge it will take years to replace the F-16 fleet, which forms the backbone of the air force.

Upgrades are part of a broader effort to enhance layered air defences, including Türkiye’s domestic "Steel Dome" project and expansion of long-range missile coverage.

"At present, our air-defence system is not at the desired level," said Yanki Bagcioglu, opposition CHP lawmaker and former Turkish Air Force brigadier general, blaming "project-management failures." He emphasised the need to accelerate plans for KAAN, Eurofighter, and F-16 jets.

By Aghakazim Guliyev