Turkey is taking decisive steps to reinforce its air force, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirming that the country is actively negotiating with Qatar and Oman to acquire used Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. This move, announced on October 24, 2025, marks a significant chapter in Turkey’s ongoing quest to modernize its military capabilities while awaiting the arrival of its own domestically developed fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet.
Speaking to journalists during a flight back from a whirlwind Gulf tour that included stops in Qatar and Oman, Erdogan said, “We discussed the ongoing negotiations with the Qatari and Omani sides regarding the purchase of Eurofighter warplanes.” He added that “the talks on this technically detailed matter are progressing positively,” according to a transcript released Friday and reported by the Associated Press.
Turkey’s ambitions are clear: bridge the gap between its current fleet and the much-anticipated KAAN jet, expected to be operational by 2028 at the earliest. The plan involves acquiring dozens of advanced jets, with Eurofighters at the forefront, to serve as a stopgap measure. According to BBC and AP, Turkey is not only eyeing new jets but is also aggressively seeking secondhand Eurofighters from Gulf nations to meet its immediate needs.
This strategy is not without precedent. In July 2025, Turkey and the United Kingdom inked a preliminary agreement for the sale of Eurofighter Typhoons. These formidable jets are the product of a consortium that brings together the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain—a testament to their advanced engineering and multinational pedigree.
But why the rush, and why now? The answer lies in a complex web of geopolitical maneuvering, defense priorities, and technological aspirations. Turkey, a NATO member, has found itself at a crossroads since its removal from the U.S.-led F-35 fighter jet program in 2019. That ouster followed Turkey’s controversial decision to purchase Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems, which the U.S. and other NATO allies argued posed security risks to the F-35 program. As a result, Turkey has been scrambling to find alternative ways to maintain and upgrade its air power.
During his three-day tour of Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, Erdogan didn’t just discuss fighter jets. According to his office, he oversaw the signing of several agreements, including in the defense sector, though details remain scant. These deals underscore Turkey’s determination to broaden its defense partnerships and secure its strategic interests in a rapidly shifting Middle Eastern landscape.
But the Eurofighter Typhoon negotiations have garnered the most attention. Produced by a consortium of four European nations, the Typhoon is renowned for its agility, advanced avionics, and versatility in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. For Turkey, acquiring these jets—whether new or secondhand—would significantly bolster its capabilities as it waits for the KAAN to come online.
According to Turkish officials, the country’s transitional fleet plan is ambitious: a total of 120 fighter jets, split evenly among 40 Eurofighters, 40 U.S.-made F-16s, and 40 F-35s. This diverse mix is designed to ensure Turkey’s air force remains a potent force in the region, even as it faces delays and uncertainties in domestic jet production.
Yet, the path forward is not without challenges. The Eurofighter Typhoon program is governed by strict export controls, and any sale—especially of secondhand aircraft—requires the blessing of all consortium members: the U.K., Germany, Italy, and Spain. While the U.K. has shown willingness to engage with Turkey, it remains to be seen whether all partners will agree, especially given ongoing concerns over regional stability and Turkey’s defense posture.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s pursuit of secondhand jets from Qatar and Oman is seen as a pragmatic move. Both Gulf nations operate Eurofighters and may be open to selling surplus aircraft as they modernize their own fleets. According to Erdogan, “the talks on this technically detailed matter are progressing positively,” a hint that a deal could be on the horizon.
But the story doesn’t end with Eurofighters. Erdogan has also raised the issue of Turkey’s reentry into the F-35 program during a recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. While no breakthrough has been announced, Turkish officials remain hopeful that a diplomatic solution can be found, allowing Turkey to once again participate in the cutting-edge fighter jet initiative.
For now, the focus remains on securing the transitional fleet. The KAAN fighter jet, Turkey’s homegrown answer to the world’s most advanced combat aircraft, is still several years away from operational readiness. Designed to be a fifth-generation, stealth-capable platform, the KAAN is central to Turkey’s long-term defense strategy. But as with any ambitious military project, delays and technical hurdles are par for the course.
In the meantime, the acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoons—whether new or used—would provide Turkey with a critical boost. As a NATO member situated at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East, Turkey’s air force plays a pivotal role in regional security. The ability to field modern, capable jets is not just a matter of national pride, but a strategic necessity in a region where air superiority can tip the balance in times of crisis.
Turkey’s defense modernization push comes at a time of heightened tensions and shifting alliances across the Middle East. The country’s assertive foreign policy, including its involvement in conflicts from Syria to Libya, has underscored the need for a robust and flexible military. Securing advanced fighter jets is just one piece of a much larger puzzle as Turkey seeks to assert its influence and safeguard its interests.
As the negotiations with Qatar and Oman progress, all eyes are on Ankara to see whether Erdogan’s government can successfully navigate the diplomatic and technical hurdles ahead. The outcome will not only shape Turkey’s air force for years to come but could also signal broader shifts in regional defense cooperation and alliances.
For now, Turkey’s message is clear: it will do whatever it takes to maintain its edge in the skies, even if that means looking beyond traditional partners and forging new paths in a rapidly changing world.