-The author is expert evaluator for the NATO Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) 2026 Challenge Program.

ISTANBUL

On July 23, during the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) in Istanbul, Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler and UK Secretary of State for Defense John Healey signed a memorandum of understanding on Türkiye's procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets.

This agreement marks a milestone in Türkiye's long-standing effort to secure an interim fighter solution. The need for such a stopgap measure emerged after Türkiye's removal from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program in 2019, aimed at preventing any loss of capability or deterrence until the National Combat Aircraft KAAN enters service. In this context, efforts were initially focused on purchasing 40 F-16V aircraft from the U.S. and upgrading 79 existing F-16s to the F-16V standard, though the package was later revised to cover only the acquisition of 40 new aircraft. At the same time, the Ozgur project – designed to equip Türkiye's current F-16 fleet with next-generation, indigenous mission systems – continues in parallel.

As KAAN is projected to reach full operational capability in the 2030s, through phased development known as "blocks" and powered by an indigenous engine, and given the time required to field it in sufficient numbers to serve as a credible deterrent, modernization and new fighter plane procurement programs are indispensable. These initiatives are crucial to ensuring that the Turkish Air Force maintains its effectiveness and deterrent strength at a time when the strategic importance of air power has once again come sharply into focus. In this context, the Eurofighter Typhoon emerges as a critical component of the equation.

Eurofighter history

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multinational, multi-phase defense aviation program initiated to address Europe's need for a next-generation combat aircraft during the final stages of the Cold War. In 1983, the air forces of the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain defined a joint requirement for such an aircraft, which was formalized in 1988 with the official launch of the Eurofighter program. France initially took part in the effort but withdrew in 1985 to develop its own independent fighter, the Rafale.

The prototype's first flight took place in 1994, with production approval granted in 1998. The German Air Force received the first aircraft in 2003, followed by other operators including Italy, Spain, Austria, and Saudi Arabia. Despite facing political and financial hurdles, the program has endured, and by 2024, more than 600 Eurofighter Typhoons had entered service worldwide.

It is noteworthy that Türkiye’s path has intersected with the Eurofighter Typhoon multiple times over the past four decades. In the mid-1980s, during discussions to procure 40 Tornado aircraft from the UK, Ankara was offered equal participation in the then-emerging Eurofighter project, contingent on the deal's completion. Subsequently, in the early 2000s and again around 2010, the Typhoon – along with opportunities for industrial collaboration – was proposed to Türkiye on two separate occasions. However, for various reasons, these offers never came to fruition.

Key features of the Typhoon

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multirole fighter distinguished by its canard delta wing. Engineered with advanced aerodynamics and an innovative flight control system, it delivers exceptional agility and maneuverability. A standout capability is its ability to achieve supercruise – sustained supersonic flight without the use of afterburners. The Typhoon is available in both single-seat and twin-seat variants and is fully capable of executing a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

The Typhoon's mission systems feature the Captor-E active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, the Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS) for self-protection, an advanced mission computer, Link 16 datalink, and electro-optical sensors. Its self-defense capability is enhanced by electronic warfare systems, flare and chaff dispensers, and radar warning receivers.

The Typhoon offers an extensive weapons payload capacity, supporting a broad array of systems. It can carry advanced air-to-air missiles such as Meteor, AIM-120 AMRAAM, IRIS-T, and ASRAAM, alongside precision-guided munitions like Brimstone, Storm Shadow, and the Paveway series, as well as cruise missiles such as Taurus. The aircraft is also equipped with a 27mm Mauser BK-27 cannon. Notably, the Meteor stands out as one of the most sophisticated and capable air-to-air missiles in service today, featuring an extended range, a two-way datalink, and a dual-pulse rocket motor for superior performance.

The aircraft is powered by two EJ200 turbofan engines, developed and manufactured by the EUROJET consortium. Each partner nation contributes by producing specific engine components, while final assembly takes place within their own facilities.

The Eurofighter is manufactured in progressive stages known as tranches. Tranche 1 focused on delivering core air superiority capabilities, while Tranche 2 introduced limited air-to-ground functionality. Tranche 3A expanded the platform into a true multirole fighter, featuring an advanced mission computer and broader weapons integration. Tranche 4 and 5 variants aim to deliver major upgrades, including AESA radar, next-generation digital avionics, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.

Typhoons and the Turkish Air Force

The Turkish Air Force currently fields around 240 F-16C/Ds and approximately 25 F-4E/2020s. While the F-4Es underwent extensive modernization in the early 2000s, they are now at the end of their operational life. The F-16C/D fleet, on the other hand, risks falling behind – particularly in radar and electronic warfare capabilities – compared to the advanced platforms entering service with regional air forces. Greece has acquired Rafale fighters from France and is upgrading its F-16s to the F-16V. Israel, meanwhile, is on track to receive 75 F-35I fighters by 2028 (with 45 delivered as of June 2025), while also modernizing its F-15I fleet and preparing to procure the next-generation F-15IA. These developments underscore the growing technological and performance challenges facing the Turkish Air Force.

Recent developments in the region have demonstrated that having an air force significantly weaker than one's rivals is scarcely different from having no air power at all. Air power can be defined as the combined use of assets, forces, technologies, doctrines, and methods to secure the control of airspace for friendly operations while denying its use to the enemy. Within this framework, combat aircraft, air defense systems, support platforms such as early warning and tanker aircrafts, and precision long-range weapons are key components. Among these, combat aircraft represent the core of air power, making it imperative that the fleet remains continuously modernized in terms of technology, performance, and capability.

Türkiye is advancing a series of fully indigenous projects for its air force, including the national air superiority fighter KAAN, the Anka 3 unmanned strike platform, and the Kizilelma unmanned multirole fighter, while continuing to effectively deploy armed UAVs such as Anka, Aksungur, Bayraktar Akinci, and TB2. With the Kizilelma now in serial production and expected to enter service soon, Türkiye will become one of the first nations to operate manned and unmanned fighter aircraft in tandem. At the same time, the national jet fighter KAAN stands out as the only next-generation fighter program in the Western world currently undergoing flight testing. These groundbreaking initiatives signal a new era for Turkish air power. However, as this phased roadmap progresses, preserving deterrence amid a region of intense military and technological challenges remains critical – positioning the Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition as a critical bridge.

*Opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Anadolu's editorial policy.