Türkiye’s bid to purchase Eurofighter Typhoon jets received a significant boost as the UK confirmed that all four consortium members — the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain — now support the proposed sale. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy told Hurriyet Daily News that the deal, long hindered by German reservations, has finally gained full backing.

Berlin Shift Signals Easing of Defense Tensions

Germany had previously blocked the sale due to political sensitivities involving Türkiye’s energy disputes with Greece. However, Lammy said that UK efforts to “secure Berlin’s approval” have helped turn the tide. A German government spokesman, while cautious, acknowledged the shift, noting that arms export decisions fall under the security cabinet's remit.

Türkiye Seen as Strategic NATO Power

Lammy emphasized Türkiye’s importance as NATO’s second-largest military and a critical partner amid rising defense expenditures to deter Russian aggression. “Türkiye’s role as a European security partner is more crucial than ever,” he said ahead of his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara.

Parallel Progress on F-35 Dispute

The Eurofighter breakthrough comes as the U.S. and Türkiye attempt to resolve their impasse over Ankara’s removal from the F-35 fighter program. U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack told Anadolu Agency that Washington hopes to settle the matter before the end of the year.