Turkey's Big Move: 20 Eurofighter Typhoons to Bolster Air Defense
Turkey has signed a deal with Britain to acquire 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets for £8 billion, including a comprehensive weapons package. This move aims to enhance Turkey's air defenses and strengthen ties with the West. The first jets are expected to be delivered in 2030.
- Country:
- Turkey
In a strategic move to enhance national defense capabilities, Turkey has inked a deal with Britain to purchase 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, valued at 8 billion pounds ($10.7 billion). The agreement includes an advanced weapons package featuring MBDA Meteor air-to-air missiles and Brimstone ground attack missiles.
The deal, announced in Ankara and involving NATO allies, aims to fortify Turkish air defenses amid growing regional tensions. It also signifies a strengthening of ties between Turkey and the West, amid what some describe as the warmest relations in years. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the first batch delivery by 2030.
Despite some analysts deeming the deal costly, it represents a critical step for Turkey to maintain a strategic edge, particularly against regional adversaries like Israel. The talks of acquiring additional jets from Qatar and Oman further illustrate Turkey's tactical ambitions in the aerospace defense realm.