Türkiye has taken a significant step toward modernizing its air force, announcing plans to acquire 44 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler confirmed that the procurement would include 20 aircraft from the United Kingdom and 12 each from Qatar and Oman. This major acquisition is expected to enhance Türkiye’s operational flexibility and reinforce its strategic airpower amid evolving regional and global security dynamics.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is one of the most advanced multirole combat aircraft in service today. Jointly developed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the Typhoon belongs to the 4.5-generation class with strong air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. Powered by twin engines and featuring a delta-wing configuration, the jet can reach speeds of nearly 2,495 km/h. Its high thrust ratio, advanced flight control system, and superior situational awareness give pilots a decisive advantage in contested airspace.

Equipped with state-of-the-art radar systems, electronic warfare suites, and advanced sensor fusion capabilities, the Typhoon allows pilots to track and engage multiple targets across air and land domains simultaneously. The aircraft can deploy a variety of modern weapons, including Meteor and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, as well as Storm Shadow and Brimstone precision-guided munitions. With 13 hardpoints and a payload capacity of 9 tons, the Typhoon plays a crucial role in NATO’s air defense posture. Türkiye’s planned integration of its indigenous munitions with the aircraft’s AESA radar is expected to significantly expand the platform’s operational utility.

This procurement initiative aligns with Türkiye’s broader modernization roadmap, which includes F-16 upgrades and the phased introduction of the National Combat Aircraft KAAN. Designed to operate alongside future sixth-generation fighter programs, the Eurofighter Typhoon provides Türkiye with long-term combat capability and interoperability advantages.

During UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to Ankara, he was accompanied by Türkiye’s Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler at Mürted Air Base, where they inspected three Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Starmer was joined by UK Defense Secretary John Healey and RAF Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth. The visit highlighted the strategic momentum behind Türkiye–UK defense cooperation and ongoing discussions regarding the Eurofighter program.