United Kingdom sends two Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Türkiye ahead of possible acquisition.

As reported by Restitutor Orientis on December 18, 2024, two Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from the Royal Air Force (RAF) landed at Murted Air Base near Ankara, Türkiye, for evaluation by Turkish authorities. This follows Türkiye’s expressed interest in acquiring 40 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to modernize its air force as an interim solution while awaiting the operational readiness of the TAI KAAN, its indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet.
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Türkiye is reportedly prepared to allocate €8–€10 billion for the possible Eurofighter deal, a decision that may involve reducing its previously announced order for 40 F-16Vs and 80 modernization kits valued at €23 billion. (Picture source: Twitter/Restitutor Orientis)

Negotiations regarding the Eurofighter acquisition began during the NATO summit held in Washington from July 9 to 11, 2024. Discussions included Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and leaders of the Eurofighter consortium member countries—Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. Türkiye is reportedly prepared to allocate €8–€10 billion for the deal, a decision that may involve reducing its previously announced order for 40 F-16Vs and 80 modernization kits valued at €23 billion. The deal is expected to include technical upgrades such as the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 radar.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multirole combat aircraft developed through a consortium of European aerospace companies: Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. Designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the aircraft is powered by two Eurojet EJ200 engines, producing a thrust of 60 kN dry and 90 kN with afterburners. It can achieve a maximum speed of Mach 2.35 at high altitude and Mach 1.25 at sea level, with a supercruise capability at Mach 1.5. The Typhoon has a range of 2,900 kilometers and a service ceiling of 19,812 meters. Its design features a delta wing and canard configuration for enhanced maneuverability.

The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics, including the Captor-E Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, capable of tracking up to 20 targets simultaneously and engaging them with various weapons. Armament includes a 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon and 13 hardpoints capable of carrying over 9,000 kilograms of payload. The Eurofighter can deploy air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, MBDA Meteor, and IRIS-T, as well as air-to-ground munitions like Paveway IV bombs, Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles. Additionally, it can carry anti-ship missiles, including the Marte ER and Joint Strike Missile (JSM).

Upgrades to the Eurofighter include the integration of the ECRS Mk2 radar, designed for electronic warfare and advanced targeting. The radar enhances detection, tracking, and jamming capabilities, and it is resistant to electronic interference. The ECRS Mk2 uses solid-state Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs) for precise control and simultaneous engagement of multiple air and ground targets.

The consideration of the Eurofighter by Türkiye aligns with its need to modernize its air force amidst Greece’s recent acquisition of Rafale jets from France and its plans to purchase F-35 fighters from the United States. Türkiye, meanwhile, remains excluded from the F-35 program due to its acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system, which also led to U.S. sanctions under the CAATSA framework. While Türkiye has indicated interest in rejoining the F-35 program, it is actively exploring alternatives, such as the Eurofighter, which offers an alternative to U.S.-made systems and reduces dependence on American platforms.

However, Türkiye has signed a contract for 40 F-16 Viper fighters from the United States. While initial plans included the modernization of 79 older F-16s using American kits, Türkiye has opted to pursue domestic upgrades under the ÖZGÜR program. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to increase domestic defense production, exemplified by the TAI KAAN. The KAAN, which conducted its maiden flight in February 2024, is intended to replace Türkiye's F-16 fleet by the 2030s, with initial operational capabilities expected by 2028.

Germany’s approval of the Eurofighter sale, following hesitations linked to political concerns, was secured through support from the Eurofighter consortium members. The deal, if finalized, is expected to bolster Türkiye’s air capabilities while addressing immediate and medium-term operational needs. This development also underscores Türkiye’s effort to diversify its defense partnerships within NATO while maintaining operational readiness in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

By pursuing acquisitions of both the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-16 Viper, along with developing the KAAN, Türkiye seeks to address its strategic requirements. These measures aim to ensure the continuity of its air superiority and operational capabilities amidst evolving regional and international dynamics.