Pakistan’s close friend’s air power will increase significantly as it will get Europe’s most powerful fighter jet, it is…
According to a report, a provisional agreement for 40 jets was signed in July this year.
New Delhi: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to visit Turkey on Monday, October 27, on an official visit. During this visit, the multi-billion-dollar Eurofighter Typhoon deal between Turkey and the UK is expected to be finalised. Turkey has been negotiating with Britain, the lead country in the Eurofighter consortium, to purchase fighter jets since 2023. In 2024, Turkey overcame Germany’s veto, removing a major obstacle that had blocked the sale of Eurofighter Typhoons to Turkey. The Eurofighter Typhoon is Europe’s most powerful fighter aircraft. Turkey has long been struggling with a shortage of fighter aircraft. In such a situation, the Eurofighter Typhoon is expected to significantly enhance Turkey’s air power.
How many Eurofighter Typhoons will Turkey buy?
According to a Middle East Eye report, Turkey and the UK signed a provisional agreement for 40 jets in July this year, and negotiations have been ongoing since then on technical specifications and pricing. However, Turkey says the price of these fighter jets is higher than its expectations, and negotiations are underway with the UK to reduce it. A source familiar with the matter said that 20 of the 40 jets will be operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) to ensure faster delivery. The remaining 20 jets will be delivered later. There are also plans to modify these aircraft to suit Turkish needs.
Britain deploys two Eurofighter Typhoons in Turkey
Another source said that Starmer has sent two Eurofighter jets to Turkey ahead of his visit, demonstrating the importance of this deal for London. It is not yet clear whether these jets will remain in Turkey or have been sent for symbolic purposes. Several sources said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has postponed a cabinet meeting in Ankara to accommodate Starmer’s visit.
Turkey to buy Advanced Eurofighter Variant
Turkish pilots have never flown European-made fighter jets before, as Ankara traditionally uses US-made F-16s and other models. The proposed deal would include the latest Eurofighter variant, known as Tranche 4, which features advanced avionics and radar systems. The Turkish Air Force is rapidly ageing and urgently needs a temporary solution until its domestically produced fifth-generation KAAN fighter enters service in 2028.
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