Turkiye Seeks Eurofighter Jets to Strengthen Air Force

Turkiye is in talks with Qatar and Oman to purchase used Eurofighter Typhoon jets to enhance its air force capabilities. This move serves as an interim solution before the domestically developed KAAN jet becomes operational. A deal with the UK was preliminarily reached in July for Eurofighter Typhoons.

In an effort to boost its air force capabilities, Turkiye is negotiating with Qatar and Oman to acquire secondhand Eurofighter Typhoon jets, as announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The move comes as Turkiye seeks to strengthen its fleet before its indigenous KAAN fighter jet becomes operational.

In July, a preliminary agreement was made between Turkiye and the United Kingdom for the sale of Eurofighter Typhoons, a collaborative product from the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. However, due to immediate operational demands, Turkiye is also considering acquiring used jets from Gulf nations.

On his recent Gulf tour visiting Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, President Erdogan discussed ongoing negotiations with Qatari and Omani officials and indicated that talks were progressing positively. Turkiye also aims to return to the US-led F-35 program, seeking to build a transitional fleet until the 2028 launch of the KAAN jet.

(With inputs from agencies.)