Germany Approves Sale of Eurofighter Jets to Turkey

Turkey has secured approval from Germany for the procurement of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, a significant development after a lengthy delay due to Germany's previous resistance stemming from concerns about regional stability and Turkey's military actions. Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler confirmed that the approval was influenced by support from NATO allies Italy, Spain, and the UK, which are part of the Eurofighter consortium. This deal is part of Turkey's broader strategy to enhance its air combat capabilities, especially after being expelled from the F-35 program due to its acquisition of Russian S-400 systems. The Turkish Air Force aims to replace its aging F-4E Phantom fighters with these modern jets, which are crucial for maintaining parity in the region, particularly in light of Greece's recent acquisition of Rafale jets. The negotiations will determine whether the jets are new or previously used models from other European forces, as Turkey seeks to modernize its military amid imposed sanctions affecting its fleet. Overall, this move reflects a shift in Germany's stance and a response to the evolving dynamics within NATO and regional security.