The Eurofighter Typhoon is getting closer to the Turkish air forces, and a new strategic export order. Indeed, according to Bloomberg, Turkey is close to concluding an agreement with the Eurofighter consortium, and the 4 leaders of the countries that make it up, to acquire 40 fighters Typhoon, in order to modernize its air forces.
To finance this contract, which could well be around €8 to €10 billion, Ankara would be ready to reduce the volume of the order for 40 F-16Vs and 80 modernization kits for its F-16 C/D, a contract worth €23 billion. $ for the American defense industry, announced a few months ago.
RT Erdogan negotiated with Olaf Scholz the acquisition of 40 Eurofighters Typhoon on the sidelines of the NATO summit
Key negotiations regarding Turkey’s acquisition of these 40 Eurofighter fighters Typhoon, would have taken place, according to Bloomberg, on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington, which was held from July 9 to 11, 2024, in the American federal capital.
On this occasion, Turkish President RT Erdogan would have spoken directly with his German counterpart, Olaf Scholz, about this program, as well as the acquisition of naval engines for Turkish frigates, and Siemens turbines, for its nuclear plant.
Since his re-election in May 2023, President Erdogan has followed a calming posture on the international scene, in particular vis-à-vis Greece, and has shown the West a calm attitude regarding his relations with the Russia, Turkish support for Libya, or even attacks against the Kurds in Syria. This attitude helped to mollify American decision-makers, who lifted the veto on the sale of F-16V a few months ago.
Si Rome, London and Madrid were convinced for a long time, by Ankara, concerning a possible order for Eurofighter, Berlin, for its part, remained reluctant, particularly after the Turkish president’s statements regarding the Israeli offensive against the Palestinian territories.
It would seem that, as has already been the case regarding the Eurofighters to Saudi Arabia, Olaf Scholz has softened his positions vis-à-vis Ankara, according to the leaks collected by Bloomberg, even if, in In this case, no confirmation was communicated by the German chancellery, following the meeting between the two men in Washington.
Turkey wants Eurofighters to deal with Rafale Greeks, not Russian Sukhoi
According to Turkish statements, Ankara’s now fully expressed interest in the Eurofighter Typhoon, rather than for F-16Vs, would be the consequence of the delivery, by France, of fighters Rafale to Greece, and the announcement made by Athens, regarding its intention to acquire the American F-35, of which Turkey remains deprived.
