Turkey is expected to announce a preliminary agreement this week to purchase Eurofighter Typhoon jets, a deal worth more than $5 billion, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Monday citing two sources familiar with the negotiations.
The deal is anticipated to include up to 40 aircraft, though the final number and exact configuration have yet to be finalized. The Eurofighter is produced by a consortium of companies from the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, which jointly developed the aircraft under a NATO-led program.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Eurofighter, a 4.5-generation fighter jet, has been losing ground to the newer fifth-generation F-35. As a result, its manufacturers have sought customers unable to obtain approval to purchase the more advanced model.
Turkey, a NATO member, has sought to acquire the Eurofighter since 2023. Negotiations stalled due to Germany's refusal to issue an export license, a move attributed to Berlin's concerns over Ankara's foreign policy.
In 2019, the US removed Turkey from the F-35 program after it acquired Russian-made S-400 air defense systems. President Donald Trump, considered a close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has recently hinted he would like to see Turkey rejoin the program.
Meanwhile, Turkey is progressing in the development of its indigenous KAAN fighter jet, which completed its maiden flight in February 2024. Ankara plans to deliver the first KAAN aircraft to its air force by the end of 2028. Indonesia has already signed an agreement to purchase 48 of the jets. Turkey ultimately aims for the KAAN to replace its fleet of F-16s.
The two sources said Germany's new government is now signaling a willingness to approve the Eurofighter deal. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said at a press conference in London last week that negotiations are nearing a decision that would allow an export license to be issued.
Talks between the Turkish and British governments are in advanced stages, and a framework agreement could be announced at the International Defense Industry Fair in Istanbul, according to sources involved in the matter.
One of the sources noted that a deal with Turkey could accelerate talks with other potential buyers, such as Qatar and Austria. If Turkey proceeds with the purchase, Eurofighter will need to ramp up production to 30 Typhoons per year. The current capacity is 14 aircraft annually, with efforts underway to increase that to 20. Other prospective buyers might worry about falling to the back of the line, the source added.
