Türkiye to strengthen defence with 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets Germany approves

Türkiye is set to enhance its air defence capabilities with the acquisition of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets, said Turkish Minister of National Defence, Yaşar Güler.

According to Güler, Germany, which had previously resisted signing a contract for the procurement of the fighter jets, has now agreed to the deal, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

The shift in Germany’s stance was attributed to the support of NATO allies, namely the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.

In addition to the Eurofighter Typhoons, Güler confirmed that Türkiye will purchase 40 F-16 Viper jets from the United States, with contracts already finalised.

This move marks a significant boost to Türkiye’s military capabilities, reinforcing its strategic air defence and strengthening ties with key NATO allies.

Notably, on June 13, Türkiye announced that it had finalised a contract to procure F-16 fighter jets from the United States, confirming that discussions on specific details between the two nations are ongoing.

The statement from Defence Ministry followed comments earlier in the week from the US State Department, which revealed that Türkiye had signed a letter of offer and acceptance for the Lockheed Martin-manufactured aircraft. 

“The contract has been signed, and delegations from both sides are negotiating the details,” sources from the Defence Ministry said.

Türkiye initially submitted its request in October 2021 to acquire 40 new F-16s and 79 modernisation kits to upgrade its current fleet. In January this year, the Biden administration formally notified Congress of its intent to proceed with the sale, valued at approximately $23 billion, soon after Ankara ratified Sweden’s NATO membership.

The US State Department described this as “a major step forward” for Türkiye’s acquisition, noting the aircraft as “the most advanced F-16 ever offered to close allies and partners,” emphasising Washington’s “enduring commitment” to its security relationship with Türkiye. 

Türkiye’s initial plans involved the purchase of more advanced F-35 jets, but it was expelled from the programme in 2019 after acquiring Russian S-400 missile systems, which Washington viewed as a threat to the F-35’s security. Türkiye had ordered around 100 F-35s and was involved in producing 900 of the jet’s components.

The F-16 acquisition aims to replace Türkiye’s ageing fleet, which will begin to be phased out in the 2030s. The country currently operates over 200 F-16s of various older models.

Meanwhile, Türkiye is advancing its domestic air capabilities with the development of its fifth-generation fighter jet, the Kaan, which made its first flight in February.

By Aghakazim Guliyev