Turkey pursuing Eurofighter purchase, raising German concerns

ANKARA — In a surprising turn of events, Turkey has officially entered negotiations with the UK and Spain to acquire 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, a move that could potentially shift Ankara away from its prolonged pursuit of the F-16 Block 70 deal with the United States. Yasar Guler, Turkey’s Minister of National Defense, confirmed the talks during a parliamentary hearing, stating, “Now the UK and Spain are making efforts to convince Germany … if possible, we plan to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets.”

This development raises questions about Turkey’s commitment to the F-16 Block 70 deal, which has faced numerous delays. The proposed agreement included the purchase of Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 fighters and nearly 80 modernization kits for Turkey’s existing F-16 fleet. While the US State Department approved a possible sale for the modernization of Turkey’s existing F-16s, technical discussions persist regarding the transfer of new fighters.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s upcoming visit to Berlin on 17 November adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Despite strained relations between Turkey and Germany over differing views on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Erdogan seems determined to pursue potential defense deals. The Turkish President has been critical of Israel and expressed support for Hamas, leading to sharp rebukes from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who labeled some of Erdogan’s comments as “absurd.”

Germany’s role in this potential deal is pivotal, considering its historical export block on Eurofighter multirole fighters to Saudi Arabia. This export restriction prompted Saudi Arabia to explore alternatives, including a request for a detailed quote from Dassault for 54 Rafale fighter jets. Germany’s export rules have drawn criticism from Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defense and Space and president of Germany’s aviation industry association BDLI, who stated that these rules hinder cooperation and undermine the European idea.

The reluctance of Germany to export arms has created tensions within the Eurofighter partnership, involving the UK and its allies. The UK, at one point, contemplated using a legal loophole to exclude Germany from the Eurofighter initiative but later opted against it to avoid damaging relations and jeopardizing delivery timelines.

If Germany chooses to block Turkey’s pursuit of Eurofighter jets, it could escalate tensions not only between nations but also within the defense industry consortium, affecting collaborative efforts and commercial partnerships. Such a blockade might cast a shadow on the prospects of future cooperation and lead to increased frustration among stakeholders involved. The outcome of these negotiations holds significant implications for the geopolitical landscape and defense industry dynamics.