Turkey Nears Eurofighter Jet Deals with UK, Germany for 40 Aircraft

Turkey has secured key agreements with NATO allies Britain and Germany to acquire up to 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, marking a significant step in modernizing its air force amid regional security concerns. Britain signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Turkey, while Germany's Federal Security Council approved the delivery, reversing earlier opposition tied to political sensitivities. The deal, valued at approximately 5.6 billion USD, aims to enhance both Turkey's defense capabilities and NATO's collective airpower, with Turkey also negotiating the purchase of 40 F-16 jets from the United States. Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler emphasized that the agreement would deepen bilateral defense cooperation and bring Turkey closer to joining the Eurofighter consortium. Turkey continues to develop its domestic fighter programs, including the TF-X (KAAN), while also seeking to re-enter the U.S.-led F-35 program from which it was removed in 2019. The deal reflects growing defense collaboration within NATO as Europe seeks to bolster its security and reduce reliance on the U.S. in the wake of ongoing regional instability.