In a significant shift in its arms export policy, Germany has formally approved the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Türkiye, effectively ending years of political disagreement between the two NATO allies. This landmark decision, confirmed by Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and corroborated by German reports, signals a new pragmatic approach from Berlin’s government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aiming to strengthen NATO’s southeastern flank and foster greater European defense autonomy.
The approval, coordinated among all Eurofighter consortium members including the UK, Italy, and Spain, paves the way for Türkiye to acquire 40 aircraft – 20 confirmed with an option for an additional 20. This acquisition is critical for Ankara, as it seeks to bridge a pressing capability gap in its air force. With its F-4 Phantoms already retired and portions of its F-16 fleet nearing obsolescence, the Eurofighters will serve as a vital interim solution ahead of the full rollout of its indigenous KAAN stealth fighter and upgraded F-16 Block 70s from the United States.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a formidable multirole combat aircraft, renowned for its air dominance and precision strike capabilities. Boasting a top speed of Mach 2.0 and equipped with an advanced ECRS AESA radar—a first for the Turkish Air Force—alongside Meteor and AMRAAM missiles, it represents a proven “fourth-generation-plus” fighter. Its NATO-standard integration and long-range engagement capabilities are expected to significantly enhance the Turkish Air Force’s operational effectiveness.
From Germany’s perspective, the decision holds both political and industrial weight. The new CDU-led coalition’s willingness to approve the sale reflects a broader strategy to reinforce European defense ties and ensure the sustainability of the Eurofighter program’s production and upgrade cycles. This move is poised to revive crucial defense cooperation between Berlin and Ankara, contributing to stronger NATO solidarity at a time of complex geopolitical challenges.
The acquisition of Eurofighters complements Türkiye’s recent deal for F-16 Block 70s, diversifying its ongoing air force modernization efforts. While the financial specifics are yet to be fully disclosed, this agreement marks a pivotal moment for both nations, solidifying their defense partnership and reinforcing the collective strength of the alliance.