Why Turkey Wants to Buy Eurofighters Despite Defense Industry Progress

Well, the Kaan Jet is still in the development stage, so Turkey still needs jets.

Why Turkey Wants to Buy Eurofighters Despite Defense Industry Progress

Turkey’s rapid progress in its defense industry—especially in drone technologies—has been notable. However, the decision to buy Eurofighter Typhoon jets is informed by several strategic, operational, and geopolitical factors.

Strengths of Turkey’s Defense Industry

• Dramatic Growth: Turkey’s defense sector has matured, moving from arms importer to exporter, with strong indigenous programs in armored vehicles, naval platforms, and especially drones like Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı12.

• High Self-Sufficiency in Drones: Turkey is now among the top three globally in combat drone technology, exporting UAVs and integrating them effectively into military operations345.

• 70–80% Domestic Production: Current figures indicate that Turkey meets around 70–80% of its defense needs from domestic production67.

• Development of Indigenous Fighter Jet: Turkey’s own fifth-generation fighter, the Kaan (TF-X), is under development and scheduled to enter service around 203089.

Why Still Buy Eurofighters?

1. Aging Air Force and Immediate Capability Gap

• The Turkish Air Force’s fleet—primarily F-16s—is aging, and with no access to the F-35 program after Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system, replacements are urgently needed109.

• The Kaan fighter jet is years from operational readiness, creating a critical period where Turkey must fill a capability gap in manned fighter aircraft89.

2. Geo-Strategic and Alliance Considerations

• Eurofighters would bolster Turkish air power in a region experiencing increasing security volatility, providing advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities1112.

• The purchase supports Turkey’s standing and interoperability within NATO, since Eurofighter consortium members are key European allies; recent negotiations included accepting NATO-use conditions to allay concerns about deployment1112.

3. Leverage in International Arms Negotiations

• Turkey’s interest in the Eurofighter also serves as leverage in parallel negotiations with the US over new F-16s, showing Ankara has alternatives and reducing dependence on a single supplier98.

• Diplomatic efforts surrounded the deal, particularly with the UK, Spain and Germany given Germany’s initial reluctance to approve the sale101112.

4. Bridging Until Indigenous Solutions Mature

• Turkish officials describe the Eurofighter purchase as a “stopgap option” until the fifth-generation Kaan jet is ready for service89.

• This interim solution guarantees high-end air combat capabilities during the transition period.

Table: Turkey’s Choices at a Glance

Conclusion

Turkey’s pursuit of Eurofighters is not a reflection of domestic defense industry weakness, but a calculated response to urgent air force needs and geopolitical realities. While Turkey’s drone and defense sector has become a global leader, sophisticated manned combat aircraft remain a bottleneck until indigenous jets are fully operational. The Eurofighter acquisition aims to ensure continued air dominance, strengthen NATO partnership, and serve strategic interests in a time of regional and technological transition8911.bal-player/