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Turkiye accelerates Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition, says Defence Ministry official

October 18, 2024 at 8:23 pm

The joint training flight is carried out as part of NATO trainings, with the participation of the Turkish F-16 aircrafts of the 132nd Weapons and Tactics Squadron Command and UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon jet, deployed to 3rd Main Jet Base Command in Konya, on 18 November 2020 in Konya, Turkey. [TUR National Defense Ministry – Anadolu Agency]

Turkiye is intensifying its technical preparations to expedite the planned acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, a Defence Ministry official announced on Thursday. The move comes as Ankara seeks to enhance its air defence capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions and the modernisation of its military fleet. The Eurofighter Typhoon, a multirole combat aircraft developed by a European consortium, is expected to bolster Turkiye’s defence capabilities with its advanced air superiority and strike capabilities.

The Defence Ministry emphasized that the acquisition aligns with Turkiye’s broader defence strategy to modernise and diversify its military assets. Talks with partner countries involved in the Eurofighter program are ongoing, focusing on finalising technical specifications and delivery timelines. The official also noted that Turkiye is prioritising swift integration into its existing defence framework to maximise operational efficiency and ensure readiness.

Experts view this acquisition as a significant step for Turkiye’s defence sector, reinforcing its position within NATO, while also balancing its strategic partnerships in Europe. The timeline for delivery and the number of units to be acquired are yet to be disclosed.

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