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Germany Launches Technical Talks with Türkiye for Eurofighter Fighter Jet Sale.
With German Chancellor Olaf Scholz scheduled to visit Türkiye on October 19, 2024, Germany has greenlit technical discussions with Türkiye for a potential sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. This decision, taken in a confidential meeting by the German Federal Security Council, marks a shift from Berlin, which had previously blocked the sale over concerns that these aircraft could be used against Kurdish armed groups in Syria and Iraq.
The first batch could include 24 aircraft, with the remaining 16 delivered in a later phase (Picture source: Eurofighter)
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed by a European consortium composed of Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom under Eurofighter GmbH. Used by several European nations and Saudi Arabia, the Typhoon is designed to perform air superiority missions, airspace defense, interdiction, close air support, and reconnaissance. Its delta-wing configuration, combined with advanced control systems and optimized aerodynamic instability, delivers exceptional agility and speed, reaching up to 2,495 km/h. Equipped with two EUROJET EJ200 engines, the Typhoon offers robust power and redundancy for secure operations both in peacetime and in conflict.
Technologically, the Typhoon stands out with its CAPTOR radar, a mechanically scanned system that can evolve to AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, providing long-range detection, advanced air-to-ground capability, and enhanced electronic protection. This radar offers a broad field of view optimized for both aerial and ground engagements. The Typhoon’s weaponry includes 13 hardpoints for missiles and bombs, with configurations tailored to mission requirements: air-to-air AMRAAM and ASRAAM missiles, anti-radar and anti-ship missiles, and guided bombs. This weapon system, coupled with advanced piloting controls such as voice-commanded VTAS (Voice Throttle and Stick), maximizes in-flight effectiveness and reduces pilot workload, enabling swift responses in demanding combat scenarios.
The Eurofighter consortium, consisting of Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom, fully supports the potential sale of 40 Eurofighters to Türkiye, valued at approximately $5.6 billion. The agreement gained momentum following a meeting between Chancellor Scholz and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the UN General Assembly in New York last month. The technical talks, expected to last about three weeks, will cover aircraft specifications, acquisition stages, personnel training, and maintenance and spare parts management protocols.
The first batch could include 24 aircraft, with the remaining 16 delivered in a later phase. Additionally, sources close to the matter indicate that Chancellor Scholz might be seeking an agreement to expedite the repatriation of approximately 15,000 Turkish nationals whose asylum requests were denied in Germany, thereby strengthening ties between Berlin and Ankara.
Airbus, one of Eurofighter's main partners, has actively supported efforts to navigate political challenges. Simon Ward, head of Airbus in Türkiye, even suggested that Eurofighters could arrive in Türkiye sooner than anticipated. While the start of technical talks does not guarantee a finalized sale, this move is seen as a significant indication of Germany’s openness amid rising regional tensions, particularly with the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the ongoing Gaza crisis.
Turkish defense officials suggest that acquiring the Eurofighter would provide Türkiye’s air force with AESA radar technology for the first time, significantly enhancing its capabilities. Turkish experts view the Eurofighter as an optimal interim solution while Türkiye awaits the integration of its domestic KAAN fighter jet and American F-16 Block 70s into its fleet.
The outcome of these talks could also pave the way for broader military-economic partnerships between Germany and Türkiye, a development closely observed by other Eurofighter consortium members. In conclusion, this initiative marks a turning point in bilateral relations and highlights the complexity of defense negotiations in Europe, shaped by geopolitical dynamics and regional security imperatives.