Turkiye's long-awaited purchase of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets appears to be moving forward after a three-year deadlock caused by Germany's 2022 export veto. Now, all signs point toward a firm contract being signed soon.
On July 23, during the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition in Istanbul, the defense ministers of the United Kingdom and Turkiye signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the deal. Simultaneously, Germany's Federal Security Council has reportedly greenlit the export of 40 Typhoon jets to Turkiye, according to multiple media outlets citing government sources, Defense Express reports.
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The German approval had been expected following the recent change of chancellor and Berlin's deepening defense ties with London. Germany's continued blocking of the deal risked not only damaging economic interests but also jeopardizing the survival of the UK-based Typhoon production line.
London had earlier opted to abandon further Typhoon purchases for its own air force in favor of the F-35. Without new export orders, the production facility in Warton faced shutdown. The Turkish deal is therefore not just a win for defense exports but a lifeline for the UK defense industry.
According to the British government, the Turkish order will help preserve over 20,000 jobs in the UK. Final aircraft assembly takes place in Warton, while the radar is built in Edinburgh, the electronic warfare systems in Luton by Leonardo UK, and the engines in Bristol by Rolls-Royce. In total, the UK contributes 37% to every export-configured Eurofighter built for Turkiye.
For Ankara, this is a crucial step toward upgrading its air force. The Turkish Air Force currently relies on 260 aging F-16s: 35 Block 30s, 195 Block 50s, and 30 Block 50+ jets. Meanwhile, the U.S. set a staggering $23 billion price tag for 40 new Block 70/72 fighters and upgrades for 79 more. That number has reportedly been reduced to $16 billion — still a steep price.
However, Turkiye isn't just buying aircraft — it needs full capability, including integration of MBDA's Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. Greece has been actively lobbying against this, warning allies not to allow such a transfer to Ankara.
Meteor is a pan-European missile program, with headquarters and significant production based in France. As such, France has a de facto veto over any deal involving the missile. The next challenge for Turkiye, therefore, lies in convincing Paris to approve the sale — all while Greece will be working to block it, aiming to maintain a technological edge with its Meteor-equipped Rafale jets.
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