Türkiye signs deal with UK to acquire 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets photo

Türkiye has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom to acquire 20 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4 fighter jets, according to a report by SavunmaSanayiST.com on social media platform X, cited by Caliber.Az.

SICAK GELİŞME | İngiltere Başbakanı Keir Starmer, Türkiye ile 20 adet Eurofighter Typhoon jet uçağı için 8 milyar sterlin (10,74 milyar dolar) tutarında bir anlaşma imzaladığını açıkladı! https://t.co/47Eb3UT4Qr pic.twitter.com/vaZL5HDBPz

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) October 27, 2025

Initially, the Turkish Air Force plans to purchase 20 Typhoon Tranche 4 aircraft, with an option to acquire an additional 20 units later, depending on operational requirements. There is also the possibility of transferring 12 Typhoon Tranche 4 jets previously ordered by Qatar to Türkiye. If this transfer occurs, Türkiye would effectively receive the 20 aircraft it initially ordered from the UK two years ago.

Additionally, Türkiye has reached an agreement with Qatar to purchase 12 Typhoon Tranche 3A jets equipped with AESA radars. These aircraft are critical for developing and training the Turkish Air Force’s logistics and operational infrastructure. They will be integrated into active service, enabling personnel training well before the Tranche 4 jets from the UK arrive. This phased approach ensures that Türkiye will have fully established training and support capabilities for the Eurofighter fleet in advance.

Türkiye is also in discussions with Oman regarding the acquisition of Typhoon aircraft. Oman operates 12 Tranche 3A jets, and a full or partial transfer is possible, though the UK would need to modernise some components prior to delivery.

The integration of Turkish-made munitions into the Eurofighter has already been confirmed, ensuring that the Turkish Air Force maintains operational independence without relying solely on foreign imports.

If all current agreements are completed—including 40 new jets and 12 previously used aircraft—Türkiye’s Eurofighter fleet could reach 52 aircraft, positioning it as NATO’s fifth-largest Eurofighter operator, just behind Spain. This would provide a strong interim capability during the development phase of the KAAN fighter, enhancing Türkiye’s strategic flexibility.

When combined with the full modernisation of the F-16 Özgür / Block 70T fleet, these acquisitions will significantly strengthen Türkiye’s regional air dominance. The combination of upgraded F-16s and Eurofighters will maintain security in Turkish airspace until the fifth-generation KAAN platform and its engines are operational.

By Tamilla Hasanova