Turkiye in Talks with Qatar and Oman to Acquire Used Eurofighter Typhoons
President Erdogan Announces Negotiations for Secondhand Fighter Jets as Part of Efforts to Strengthen Air Force Capabilities.
ANKARA: Turkiye is engaged in negotiations with Qatar and Oman to acquire used Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, as part of its strategic initiative to enhance its air force capabilities, according to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The discussions are centered on bolstering Turkiye's fleet until the domestically developed fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet becomes operational.
Turkiye aims to procure dozens of Eurofighters and other advanced aircraft as a temporary measure to reinforce its aerial combat power.
In July, an initial agreement was signed between Turkiye and the United Kingdom regarding the sale of Eurofighter Typhoons, produced by a consortium comprising the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
However, it has been reported that the Turkish government is also exploring options for acquiring secondhand jets from Gulf nations to address immediate needs.
Erdogan addressed the ongoing negotiations with Qatar and Oman during a press briefing on Thursday, following a three-day tour of Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, which included defense sector agreements.
The discussions regarding these technically complex matters are reportedly progressing positively.
Turkiye, a NATO member, is also actively seeking its reintegration into the US-led F-35 fighter jet program from which it was excluded in 2019 following the acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defense systems.
The exclusion was based on perceived security risks to the F-35 program by the United States.
Erdogan previously raised the issue of Turkiye's potential reentry into the F-35 program during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House last month.
Turkish officials have indicated that the country envisions acquiring a total of 120 fighter jets, comprising 40 Eurofighters, 40 US-made F-16s, and 40 F-35s, as part of a transitional fleet until the KAAN is expected to enter service in 2028 or later.
The discussions are centered on bolstering Turkiye's fleet until the domestically developed fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet becomes operational.
Turkiye aims to procure dozens of Eurofighters and other advanced aircraft as a temporary measure to reinforce its aerial combat power.
In July, an initial agreement was signed between Turkiye and the United Kingdom regarding the sale of Eurofighter Typhoons, produced by a consortium comprising the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
However, it has been reported that the Turkish government is also exploring options for acquiring secondhand jets from Gulf nations to address immediate needs.
Erdogan addressed the ongoing negotiations with Qatar and Oman during a press briefing on Thursday, following a three-day tour of Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, which included defense sector agreements.
The discussions regarding these technically complex matters are reportedly progressing positively.
Turkiye, a NATO member, is also actively seeking its reintegration into the US-led F-35 fighter jet program from which it was excluded in 2019 following the acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defense systems.
The exclusion was based on perceived security risks to the F-35 program by the United States.
Erdogan previously raised the issue of Turkiye's potential reentry into the F-35 program during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House last month.
Turkish officials have indicated that the country envisions acquiring a total of 120 fighter jets, comprising 40 Eurofighters, 40 US-made F-16s, and 40 F-35s, as part of a transitional fleet until the KAAN is expected to enter service in 2028 or later.
