Germany has expressed its support for Turkey’s planned purchase of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. These aircraft, which are produced by a consortium consisting of Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, have garnered considerable attention in recent negotiations. The Turkish Minister of Defense, Hulusi Akar, has been engaging in discussions with his counterparts in the UK and Spain, hoping to convince Germany to reconsider its position. However, Germany has raised concerns about the potential escalation of tensions resulting from weapons exports and the need for bilateral agreements. The procurement of Eurofighter agreements holds significant importance for Germany’s defense industry, with major players like MTU Aero Engines emphasizing its impact. Airbus, the leading force behind the consortium, has emphasized the need for Germany to secure its military capability through these agreements. The country’s aviation industry, which encompasses over 120 companies and employs more than 25,000 people, stands to benefit from such a deal.

Turkey’s pursuit of Eurofighter Typhoon jets comes after negotiations with the United States failed to fulfill its demand for F-16 fighter jets. A source from the Turkish Defense Ministry indicated that the inability to meet Turkey’s request for F-16s led to its cooperation with European states. In October 2021, Turkey submitted a request to purchase 40 Lockheed Martin Corp F-16 fighters and 79 completed aircraft for the modernization of its existing fleet. However, despite assistance from the US President Joe Biden’s administration, the negotiations with the US Congress have encountered obstacles.

Military analyst Tayfun Ozberk suggests that the demand for Turkish fighter jets does not guarantee equal protection from other forces. Ozberk believes that the procurement of Eurofighters could be a strategic move in response to the US’s rapid sales of F-16s to Taiwan. The purchase of these advanced aircraft could potentially serve as a strong statement to the Biden administration, showcasing Turkey’s commitment to its military capabilities.