Sign in Subscribe
Defence industries

Turkey Seeks Used Eurofighter Typhoons Amid KAAN Development Delays

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Turkey is seeking to bolster its air force capabilities by acquiring used Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from Qatar and Oman, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stating that negotiations are progressing positively. This move comes amid delays in the development of the country's domestically developed fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet, which is expected to enter service in 2028 at the earliest. Turkey aims to purchase dozens of Eurofighters and other advanced jets as a stopgap measure, having signed a preliminary agreement with the UK for the sale of Eurofighter Typhoons in July.

Key Takeaways:

  • Turkey is negotiating with Qatar and Oman to acquire used Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to strengthen its air force capabilities.
  • The talks on purchasing secondhand jets are progressing positively, according to President Erdogan.
  • Turkey aims to purchase dozens of Eurofighters and other advanced jets as a stopgap measure until its KAAN fighter jet becomes operational.
  • The KAAN fighter jet is expected to enter service in 2028 at the earliest.
  • Turkey plans to acquire a total of 120 fighter jets, including 40 Eurofighters, 40 US-made F-16s, and 40 F-35s.
  • President Erdogan also raised the issue of Turkey's reentry into the US-led F-35 fighter jet program during a meeting with US President Donald Trump last month.
  • Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 following its acquisition of Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems.

Statistics:

  • 40 Eurofighters planned to be acquired by Turkey.
  • 40 US-made F-16s planned to be acquired by Turkey.
  • 40 F-35s planned to be acquired by Turkey.
  • 120 fighter jets total planned to be acquired by Turkey.
  • $10 billion deal signed with the US in 2017 for Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems.
  • Eurofighter Typhoon flight range: up to 1,500 km (932 miles).
  • KAAN fighter jet development delay: expected to enter service in 2028 at the earliest.

Sources:

  • [President Erdogan's comments released by the Turkish government on Oct. 25]
  • [New Delhi Times, "Turkey Seeks Used Eurofighter Typhoons Amid KAAN Development Delays" on Oct. 25]

Read more