Why Turkey wants the Eurofighters - Germany's pivotal role and the implications for Greece

The United Kingdom will sell Turkey 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, with the agreement reaching 8 billion pounds, or approximately 9.1 billion euros.

What are Eurofighter Typhoon fighters?

The Eurofighter Typhoon is one of the most advanced 4.5 generation fighter aircraft, used by many NATO member countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain. It is a multi-role fighter with air superiority and strike capabilities, making it highly capable of meeting the modern demands of air warfare.

The Turkish Air Force has an aging fleet, with most of its aircraft being F-16s dating back to the 1980s, and the need for modernization is urgent.

Why Turkey wants the Eurofighter
Turkey has been in a strategic impasse since it was excluded from the F-35 program due to the purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems, which has limited its air defense options. In the midst of this gap, the Eurofighter deal offers a temporary solution and strengthens its deterrent power, without being dependent on American aircraft.

Furthermore, Turkey sees the acquisition of the Eurofighter as a “bridge” to future, indigenous systems it is developing, such as the KAAN fighter. Its participation in this European consortium also offers the possibility of cooperation with Western industries and strengthens its position in the European and international defense technology market.

The benefits for the United Kingdom
This deal is also extremely beneficial for the United Kingdom, which through the sale of the Eurofighter ensures the continuation of production of the aircraft and strengthens the viability of its defense industry. This deal could secure jobs and strengthen the export prospects of the British aerospace industry, while at the same time serving strategic objectives, strengthening defense ties with a key country in the region.

Turkey between the West, Russia and China
Turkey’s acquisition of the Eurofighters also has significant geopolitical implications. Turkey remains a NATO member, and the choice of the Eurofighters, which are fully compatible with the Alliance’s systems, underlines its strategic integration into the Western camp, despite political tensions with other NATO and EU countries.

This agreement can also be seen as part of a broader strategic realignment in the region, where Turkey, while maintaining its relations with the West, is trying to balance the influence exerted by Russia and China. Europe, through strengthening defense relations with Turkey, seeks to secure the region from potential threats and strengthen NATO’s collective defense, in view of the ever-increasing pressures from the Russian factor.

Germany’s key role in Turkey’s Eurofighter deal
One of the most contentious points of the deal is the need for Turkey to obtain approval from all partner countries in the Eurofighter consortium (the UK, Italy, Spain and Germany). Germany, which has stricter defense export policies, has previously objected to the sale of aircraft to third countries with politically and strategically controversial regimes. The final decision will depend on the political balances between the partners in the consortium, with Germany playing a central role in whether or not to approve the deal.

Impact on Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean
The potential increase in Turkey’s defense capabilities with the Eurofighters reinforces the need for Greece and other countries in the region to renew their military capabilities and ensure their strong position in NATO and the Middle East.

It should be noted that Greece is considering the possibility of purchasing 8-12 more F-35s, in addition to the 20 that have already begun to be manufactured in the US for the Air Force. The first is estimated to be ready in 2028.

In parallel, Greece already has Rafale fighters, creating an air defense network that also includes the upcoming F-35 fighter aircraft.