Turkey is negotiating with Qatar and Oman to purchase used Eurofighter Typhoon jets to bolster its air force capabilities amid delays in developing its domestic fighter jet. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed positive progress in talks during his recent Gulf tour, highlighting strategic defence agreements without disclosing details.
Turkey Pursues Eurofighter Jets from Gulf Allies
As reported by Zehra Nur Duz of The Independent, Turkey is
actively engaged in negotiations with Qatar and Oman to acquire second-hand
Eurofighter Typhoon jets to strengthen its air force fleet. This move forms
part of a broader strategy to maintain aerial defence until Turkey’s homegrown
fifth-generation fighter jet, the KAAN, becomes operational, projected for 2028
at the earliest.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed during a flight
returning from his Gulf tour that the discussions with Qatari and Omani
officials regarding the purchase of Eurofighter jets are progressing positively
on what he called a "technically detailed matter". Erdogan’s visit
spanned Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, where Turkey signed multiple agreements,
including in the defence sector, as confirmed by his office, though no specific
details were disclosed.
Background to the Eurofighter Acquisition Effort
Turkey and the United Kingdom had signed a preliminary
agreement in July 2025, signalling Ankara's intent to acquire Eurofighter jets
produced by a European consortium including the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
However, Turkey’s immediate need has led to attempts to source aircraft from
Gulf states such as Qatar and Oman to bridge the gap until the KAAN is ready
and fully deployed.
Further insights by Paul Iddon for Forbes reveal that Ankara
is interested in obtaining 24 used Eurofighter jets from Qatar, along with an
additional 16 brand-new advanced Tranche 4 aircraft over time. Some reports
suggest Turkey may obtain 12 preowned jets from both Qatar and Oman as a
short-term solution.
Strategic Importance and NATO Context
Turkey, a NATO member, has sought to re-enter the U.S.-led
F-35 fighter jet program from which it was expelled in 2019 due to its purchase
of Russian S-400 missile systems, a point raised during Erdogan’s recent
meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. With plans to ultimately acquire
approximately 120 fighter jets—including 40 Eurofighters, 40 F-16s, and 40
F-35s—as an interim and long-term fleet strategy, Turkey aims to modernize and
expand its air capabilities substantially.
A Turkish Defence Ministry source told Reuters on October
23, 2025, that Turkey plans to procure defence systems from NATO allies and
other countries until the domestic KAAN fighter jet is ready for delivery,
highlighting the interim reliance on imported aircraft and systems.
Diplomatic Efforts and Industry Partnerships
Negotiations reportedly involve approvals from all
Eurofighter consortium nations before any aircraft can be transferred from
Qatar and Oman to Turkey. The consortium is generally supportive of the deal,
assuming Qatar replenishes its own fleet with new aircraft orders. The UK
government emphasized the memorandum of understanding signed with Turkey in
July as paving the way for a multibillion-pound sale of up to 40 aircraft, with
final contracting details expected soon.
Reuters sources indicate ongoing Turkish discussions with
European and Gulf partners focused on jet numbers, pricing, and timelines.
Erdogan is expected to follow up with key European leaders, including British
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, to finalise
agreements.
Regional Implications and Air Power Balance
The acquisition of the Eurofighter jets by Turkey could
shift regional air power dynamics, especially concerning Turkey’s rival Greece,
which recently enhanced its fleet with Dassault Rafale jets from France.
Analysts mentioned by Bloomberg warn that this deal might diminish Greece's
technological edge, as Turkey’s Eurofighters come equipped with advanced Meteor
missiles that outperform some existing missile systems.
The potential purchase also raises strategic considerations
involving Israel, whose air force operates in the same regional airspace and
currently does not match the range capabilities of the Meteor missile onboard
the Eurofighters.
Summary of Erdogan’s Gulf Visit and Undertakings
Erdogan’s recent Gulf tour included stops in Kuwait, Qatar,
and Oman, where he facilitated the signing of various agreements, including in
defence cooperation. These accords aim to enhance bilateral collaboration
without detailing the specific terms. The Eurofighter discussions constitute a
notable aspect of defense talks during the visit.
Future Outlook on Turkish Air Force Modernisation
Turkey continues to emphasise developing domestic defence
manufacturing capabilities as part of a long-term plan to reduce foreign
dependence, with the KAAN stealth fighter jet being the crowning jewel of that
ambition. Mass production of the KAAN is anticipated to commence in 2028,
aiming to phase out the aging F-16 fleet from the 2030s onwards.
Meanwhile, Turkey's acquisition of used Eurofighters serves as a critical bridge to maintain air superiority while its indigenous fighter jet project matures, complemented by efforts to rejoin the F-35 programme and acquire more F-16s.