Germany Finally Approves Export of Eurofighter Typhoon Jets to Türkiye
Germany’s government announced that it will allow the export of Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets to Türkiye, ending a years‑long block on the sale. Berlin’s approval of the “long‐blocked” deal breaks a political deadlock. The decision is a clear policy shift by Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s new coalition, which is more open to allied arms sales than the previous SPD-Green government. The Typhoon is a European fighter jointly developed by Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain, and Ankara had requested to procure about 40 aircraft this year. All four partner nations must agree to any sale, and until now, the German government had repeatedly vetoed the deal on political grounds.
Under the proposed contract, Turkey would receive about 40 Typhoon jets, roughly split between refit older “Tranche-1” airframes and new-production aircraft. The UK Ministry of Defence formally offered 20 used and 20 new Typhoons in March 2025, but could not finalize the deal while Germany opposed the export. With Berlin’s approval, the Eurofighter consortium can now proceed. The sale is also significant for Europe’s defense industry, as Airbus Defence & Space in Germany produces about 20% of each Typhoon and has been advocating for foreign orders to maintain production.
Turkey’s fleet of older F-4 Phantom jets has already been retired, and many remaining F-16s are nearing obsolescence. At the same time, Turkey’s plan to acquire advanced F-35 stealth fighters was blocked by the United States after Ankara purchased Russian S-400 air defense systems. The Eurofighter is not a fifth-generation jet, but it brings a host of modern capabilities as it can reach speeds beyond Mach 2, is extremely manouvrable and carries long-range radar-guided missiles. It is also equipped with a powerful AESA radar and electronic-warfare systems that Turkish aircraft have never operated before.
Germany’s decision also has strategic implications. The move strengthens NATO’s southeastern flank and reflects a more pragmatic German export policy aligned with geopolitical needs. The contract is estimated at several hundred million euros, with deliveries over the next few years, and complements Türkiye’s broader fleet modernization (Ankara has also struck a deal with the U.S. for new F-16s and upgrade kits). NATO and EU officials note that finalizing the Typhoon export would not only modernize Turkey’s air force but also reintegrate Ankara into European defense supply chains.