ANKARA, February 23, 2026 : Türkiye is moving forward with a structured, multi-stage procurement plan to acquire between 44 and 56 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft as part of a broader effort to modernise the Turkish Air Force and maintain operational continuity ahead of the introduction of its domestically developed fifth-generation KAAN fighter.
The acquisition framework combines new-production aircraft from the United Kingdom with second-hand platforms sourced primarily from Qatar and potentially Oman. The plan is designed to deliver immediate capability through used aircraft while establishing long-term force structure through newly built jets.
Intergovernmental Agreement with the United Kingdom
Under an intergovernmental agreement signed with the United Kingdom in October 2025, Türkiye will acquire 20 newly manufactured Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. The contract is valued at approximately £8 billion (around $10.7 billion) and includes aircraft production, pilot and ground crew training, spare parts, weapons packages, and systems integration support.
Deliveries of the new-production aircraft are scheduled to begin around 2030. These jets will form the core of Türkiye’s long-term Eurofighter fleet and are expected to be fully integrated into Turkish command-and-control and weapons systems upon induction.
The acquisition process advanced after Germany granted export clearance in July 2025. Approval followed coordinated support from the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, the partner nations in the Eurofighter consortium.
Second-Hand Fleet to Provide Interim Capability
In parallel with the new-production order, Türkiye has secured 24 second-hand Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to accelerate operational readiness. According to recent reporting by Turkish daily Milliyet and defence outlet TurDef, Qatar will transfer its entire fleet of 24 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3A aircraft to Türkiye. Earlier discussions had indicated a possible transfer of 12 aircraft, but updated information confirms the full fleet handover framework.
The Qatari aircraft are equipped with active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and are capable of deploying the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. These platforms are expected to allow the Turkish Air Force to establish its first two operational Eurofighter squadrons.
Oman remains part of the broader acquisition structure, with 12 second-hand aircraft expected to be included if negotiations are finalised. These Omani jets are planned to undergo modernisation work in the United Kingdom before transfer, with deliveries projected to begin from 2028.
The minimum confirmed fleet size under current arrangements stands at 44 aircraft—20 new-production units and 24 second-hand jets from Qatar. If the additional tranche of 12 aircraft linked to Oman is concluded, the total inventory would rise to 56 aircraft.
Training and Integration Preparations
Preparatory steps for integration are underway. Turkish Air Force personnel are scheduled to undergo pilot and maintenance training in the United Kingdom. A Turkish Air Force delegation is set to visit RAF Coningsby to initiate detailed coordination for the first phase of training and transition.
The phased structure is intended to enable early operational capability through the second-hand fleet while providing time for infrastructure adaptation, maintenance ecosystem development, and doctrinal integration before the arrival of the new-production aircraft at the end of the decade.
Bridging Capability Ahead of KAAN
The Eurofighter acquisition is positioned as an interim and complementary measure pending the full operational deployment of Türkiye’s indigenous KAAN fighter programme. The second-hand aircraft are expected to enter service within the next few years, supporting force readiness and pilot proficiency during the transition period.
Türkiye’s current combat aviation inventory relies heavily on F-16 variants. The introduction of the Eurofighter platform is expected to expand air combat capability, support advanced weapons integration, and diversify the air force’s fighter portfolio during the period leading up to KAAN’s operational maturity.
While the overall framework is progressing, defence reporting indicates that final confirmations regarding the precise allocation of aircraft between Qatar and Oman remain subject to ongoing negotiations. Current Turkish defence sources identify Qatar as the primary second-hand supplier within the confirmed 24-aircraft transfer.
The multi-stage procurement structure reflects an effort to combine immediate operational reinforcement with long-term fleet modernisation while maintaining alignment with existing and future Turkish air combat systems.
——— End of Article ———
