Eurofighter CEO Giancarlo Mezzanatto announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in England that Turkey had shown interest in the Eurofighter, but Germany blocked this initiative. Mezzanatto stated that after Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program, it wanted to acquire 40 to 50 aircraft.
Reason for Germany’s Block: Eastern Mediterranean Drilling Activities
Mezzanatto suggested that Germany’s obstruction of Turkey’s attempt to purchase Eurofighters might be due to Turkey’s natural gas exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. He noted that Germany lifted its embargo on Saudi Arabia, approving the sale of 48 aircraft, and that Poland also needed 32 fighter jets.
Continued Goal of Selling 150-200 Aircraft
The Eurofighter CEO said they are still pursuing the goal set in June 2023 of selling “150-200 aircraft” and have received 69 orders so far. Mezzanatto expressed confidence in reaching this goal.
Turkey’s S-400 Purchase and Exit from the F-35 Program
In 2019, Turkey purchased two battalions of S-400 from Russia for $2.5 billion after the US did not respond positively to Turkey’s Patriot offer. This purchase raised security concerns among NATO and F-35 program countries, leading to Turkey’s removal from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program on July 17, 2019.
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