Turkey's Eurofighter Typhoon Purchase: A Strategic Transition
Typhoon was selected as a ‘transitional solution’. With its 4.5 generation features (advanced radar, sensor fusion, high manoeuvrability), NATO-compatible infrastructure and European production, it will provide Turkey with a strong air superiority capability in the short term.
Turkey's Eurofighter Typhoon procurement agreement signed with the United Kingdom in 2025 is not merely a jet fighter purchase; it is a strategic step aimed at maintaining the Turkish Air Force's air superiority and filling the gap until the domestic fifth-generation fighter jet KAAN enters service.
Why the EF Typhoon?
The backbone of the Turkish Air Force's air power today is largely the F-16 fleet. However, most of these aircraft entered service in the 1980s and are technically obsolete in the face of modern threats. Turkey was excluded from the F-35 programme, leaving it without a fifth-generation alternative.
Therefore, the Typhoon was chosen as a ‘transitional solution’. With its 4.5 generation features (advanced radar, sensor fusion, high manoeuvrability), NATO-compatible infrastructure and European production, it will provide Turkey with a strong air superiority capability in the short term.
Is Turkey acquiring old EF Typhoons?
No, Turkey is not acquiring old EF Typhoons...
The 20 EF Typhoons to be acquired from the United Kingdom will be new production aircraft of the latest variant, Tranche-4. Although the United Kingdom has also placed an order for these aircraft, Turkey's orders will be prioritised.
Twelve second-hand Tranche-3A EF Typhoons will be acquired from Qatar and twelve from Oman, but these aircraft have very low flight hours and airframe lifespans, making them practically new, and they are also suitable for upgrading to the Tranche-4 variant if desired.
What Gap Does the EF Typhoon Fill?
The Typhoon closes two critical gaps:
- Air superiority gap: It will be a balancing factor against Greece's Rafale and future F-35 aircraft in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
- The time gap: The domestic KAAN aircraft will enter service in the early 2030s; however, it will take until the 2040s for several squadrons, or even several bases, to be operational. The Typhoon will ensure that air power remains modern until then.
Furthermore, by purchasing a European-made aircraft, Turkey is gaining strategic flexibility by reducing its supply dependency on the US, diversifying its logistics structure, and avoiding reliance on a single source for maintenance.
Regional and NATO Balances
Greece has gained a significant air superiority advantage in recent years with its purchases of Rafale and F-35 aircraft. The Typhoon will give the Turkish Air Force a counterbalancing force in this competition. The aircraft's high-altitude supersonic flight (supercruise) and advanced air-to-air weapon systems will increase deterrence in the Aegean.
Furthermore, as the Typhoon is fully integrated into NATO's Link-16 data network, it will strengthen Turkey's air defence coordination within the alliance.
Will it contribute to the defence industry?
The aircraft's maintenance and modernisation processes will be carried out in Turkey, and during this process, institutions/companies such as AFSAT, TUSAŞ, ASELSAN and TEI may gain new capabilities in radar, avionics and engine technologies. In fact, it is highly likely that Turkey will also join NETMA (NATO Eurofighter 2000 and Tornado Management Agency), which manages the EF Typhoon, and Turkish companies will also supply goods and services to this agency.
Strategic Outcome:
The Eurofighter Typhoon decision enables Turkey to:
- Prepare for the post-F-16 era,
- Maintain air parity with Greece,
- Revitalise its defence relations with Europe, and secure the path towards the indigenous KAAN.
In the short term, the Typhoon will provide the Turkish Air Force with a strong deterrent capability, while in the long term, it will become part of Turkey's multi-source, flexible and independent defence vision.
