UK and Germany Clear Way for Türkiye to Acquire Eurofighter Typhoon Jets

The UK has endorsed Türkiye’s request to purchase up to 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets after Germany lifted its long-standing veto.

July 05, 2025Clash Report

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The United Kingdom has confirmed full support for the delivery of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Türkiye following Germany’s recent decision to lift its block on the export, clearing the way for a long-delayed defense agreement under the multinational Eurofighter program.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, during a June 30 visit to Ankara, confirmed that all four Eurofighter consortium members—UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain—now support the sale. Germany had previously withheld approval over concerns about Türkiye’s regional military operations, but reports from German media confirm Berlin’s shift in position.

Türkiye is seeking to acquire up to 40 Typhoon fighters, including second-hand Tranche 1 aircraft from the UK and newly built Tranche 4 models featuring CAPTOR-E AESA radar, upgraded electronic warfare systems, and advanced avionics.

Boost for Türkiye’s Air Force and NATO Cohesion

The Eurofighter deal is a key component of Türkiye’s air force modernization strategy, especially after its exclusion from the U.S.-led F-35 program. The Typhoon’s proven multirole capabilities and NATO interoperability are expected to significantly enhance Türkiye’s regional air deterrence.

A spokesperson for BAE Systems, the UK’s main defense contractor and a Eurofighter consortium partner, said the company is actively supporting the UK government’s negotiations and reaffirmed “shared defense priorities” with Türkiye.

Wider Implications for European Defense Diplomacy

The approval marks a broader realignment in European defense posture toward Türkiye and signals an effort to strengthen cohesion within NATO. The sale is also expected to revitalize defense industrial cooperation between European partners and Ankara.

With the final diplomatic hurdles removed, Türkiye’s path to acquiring Eurofighter Typhoons is now clear, representing a strategic milestone for both sides.

UK and Germany Clear Way for Türkiye to Acquire Eurofighter Typhoon Jets