Türkiye is on the cusp of a significant leap in its air power capabilities, as negotiations for the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon jets reach their final stages. Over the past week, a flurry of announcements from government officials, defense executives, and international partners has signaled that a deal once mired in diplomatic hurdles is now closer than ever to completion.
On October 23, 2025, Türkiye’s Defense Ministry reported “positive developments” in its talks with the United Kingdom regarding the acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon jets. According to ministry sources cited by Piri, the procurement process is advancing smoothly, with the aim of finalizing the agreement at an appropriate time. The ministry emphasized that official announcements will follow once a contract is signed, but optimism is running high that the finish line is in sight.
Just days later, on October 26, Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defense and Space, confirmed that the Eurofighter Typhoon deal with Türkiye is nearing finalization. As reported by Blogger News, Schoellhorn declared, “Commercial and technical discussions, led by BAE Systems, will soon yield a signed agreement for 40 advanced Eurofighter Typhoon jets.” This procurement, valued at approximately $5.6 billion, is not just a transaction—it’s a strategic upgrade for Türkiye’s air force and a boost for European defense collaboration.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, jointly developed by Airbus, BAE Systems, Leonardo, and partners from Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain, stands as a pinnacle of multi-role combat aircraft technology. For Türkiye, this acquisition is more than a matter of modernizing its aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons. It’s a carefully calibrated interim measure, designed to bridge the gap until the country’s indigenous fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet enters service—a milestone expected in 2028 at the earliest.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been personally invested in these efforts. During a Gulf tour from October 21 to 24, which included visits to Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, Erdogan revealed that Türkiye is also negotiating with Qatar and Oman to acquire used Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Speaking to journalists on his return flight, Erdogan stated, “We discussed the ongoing negotiations with the Qatari and Omani sides regarding the purchase of Eurofighter warplanes. The talks on this technically detailed matter are progressing positively.” His comments, reported by Associated Press, reflect Türkiye’s multi-pronged approach to strengthening its air force capabilities.
Türkiye’s ambitions do not stop at the Eurofighter. Officials have outlined a broader plan to acquire a total of 120 fighter jets as a transitional fleet: 40 Eurofighters, 40 U.S.-made F-16s, and 40 F-35s. The latter, however, remains a contentious point. Türkiye was removed from the U.S.-led F-35 program in 2019 following its purchase of Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems, a move that Washington claimed posed security risks to the program. Nevertheless, Ankara is actively pursuing reentry into the F-35 program, and Erdogan reportedly raised the issue during a recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Back in Europe, the Eurofighter deal has been complicated by diplomatic wrangling, notably Germany’s earlier reservations under its previous coalition government. Export licenses and concerns over regional geopolitics had stalled negotiations for years. But with Berlin’s explicit support under a new administration, the path has cleared. A July 2025 memorandum of understanding between Türkiye and the UK paved the way for smoother export pathways, with final assembly of the jets set to take place at BAE’s Warton facility in the UK. State-of-the-art radars and engines will be integrated, tailored to meet Turkish operational requirements.
The significance of this deal extends beyond Türkiye’s borders. As Schoellhorn noted, the sale “not only bolsters NATO’s second-largest air force but also underscores Airbus’s pivotal role in bridging European alliances amid rising global threats.” The Eurofighter Typhoon’s proven track record in air policing and coalition missions will enhance Türkiye’s deterrence in volatile hotspots like the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea, regions where tensions have simmered in recent years.
For Airbus and its partners, the agreement represents a renaissance for the Eurofighter program. With production lines across Europe set to be revitalized, the deal could unlock further exports to nations such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It also deepens industrial ties between Turkish Aerospace Industries and European manufacturers, with potential joint ventures on projects like the Hurjet trainer.
Türkiye’s defense strategy is also shaped by its regional commitments. In parallel with its air force modernization, the Turkish Defense Ministry has declared the armed forces’ readiness to participate in an international stabilization force for Gaza. As reported by Piri, the ministry highlighted the “extensive experience in international peace missions” of the Turkish Armed Forces and their willingness to undertake any duties assigned within the framework of international law. A Civil-Military Coordination Center has been established to facilitate this effort, which will include security patrols, aid delivery, and infrastructure protection.
On the Syrian front, Türkiye continues to monitor developments closely. The defense ministry reaffirmed its close cooperation with the Syrian government under a recent memorandum of understanding, emphasizing the importance of integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian national army. Stability in Syria, officials say, is vital for regional peace, and Türkiye remains committed to the principle of “One State, One Army.”
These multi-layered moves—modernizing the air force, seeking peacekeeping roles, and engaging in regional diplomacy—reflect a nation positioning itself as both a pivotal NATO ally and a proactive regional actor. As Schoellhorn urged at a recent defense industry event, “Governments must ramp up investments and foster pan-continental partnerships.” With the United States increasingly focused on Pacific priorities, Europe’s security challenges—from Russian aggression to Middle Eastern instability—demand self-reliant capabilities. The Eurofighter Typhoon, with its advanced technology and adaptability, is central to this vision.
As final negotiations proceed, stakeholders worldwide are watching closely. The impending Eurofighter Typhoon procurement for Türkiye not only promises enhanced aerial prowess for Ankara but also offers a blueprint for collaborative defense innovation across Europe and beyond. In a world where alliances and capabilities are constantly tested, Türkiye’s moves in the skies—and on the ground—may well shape the region’s security landscape for years to come.
