Turkey nears purchase of fighter jets after UK, Germany deals

In the wake of Israel’s “12-day” war with Iran, a news arms race might be brewing in the region with Turkey as the latest entrant.

Turkey on July 23rd clinched a Memoranda of understanding with Britain and Germany to acquire dozens of Eurofighter Typhoon jets, according to The Aviationist. According to Reuters on July 23rd, Turkey has been pursuing these aircraft since 2023 as part of its attempt to modernise its air force and reinforce its strategic autonomy.

So far, Britain has signed a preliminary agreement allowing Turkey to operate the jets, while Germany okayed the delivery of 40 units.

The outbreak of Israel’s 12-day standoff with Turkey’s neighbor, Iran, along with further strikes on Syria, has unnerved Ankara, prompting a push for rapid armament to counter any potential threats.

While Turkey has invested heavily in its domestic defense industry, including the development of homegrown jets, it continues to rely on foreign acquisitions to bolster its short-term deterrence. Alongside the Eurofighter deal, Ankara remains in negotiations with Washington to purchase 40 F-16s

Speaking at a signing ceremony in Istanbul alongside British Defence Secretary John Healey, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler called the Eurofighter deal a step toward a “fully comprehensive agreement,” that he said would enhance both NATO’s collective defense and Turkey’s own aerial capabilities.

“We welcome this positive step toward our country joining the Eurofighter Typhoon club,” Guler noted, while adding that the final composition of the acquisition remained open to negotiation.

The jets are produced by a European consortium comprising of Germany, Britain, Italy, and Spain, with production led by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. For years, Berlin had stalled the sale, citing concerns over Ankara’s human rights record and regional posture.

Reuters/ The Aviationist/Maghrebi.org