Der Spiegel, one of Germany’s leading media outlets, has reported that the German Federal Security Council has approved Turkey’s preliminary request for 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets in a closed-door meeting. This move marks a significant milestone in Turkey’s efforts to procure European-made fighter aircraft.
The report states that Turkey’s application, submitted in March 2023, has officially paved the way for the export process of the Eurofighter Typhoon — a joint product of Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain. The jets are expected to be manufactured in the UK using components supplied from Germany.
Miçotakis and Erdoğan Briefed
Following the approval by the Federal Security Council, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the UK government, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis were informed of the decision. According to Spiegel, Turkey has pledged to use the Eurofighter jets solely within the NATO alliance framework.
Export Requires Approval from All Four Countries
The Eurofighter Typhoon is produced by a consortium consisting of Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain. Exporting the aircraft to third countries requires the approval of all four nations. Germany’s green light is seen as a signal that the process may now advance with the other partner countries as well.
Positive Signals from Merz
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, following his meeting last week in London with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stated that “progress has been made towards a favourable decision” on selling Eurofighters to Turkey.
Key figures in the Federal Security Council include Chancellor Merz, Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
