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Ankara secures 44 Eurofighters, negotiates final 12

Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon T3 departing runway 31 in Luqa, Malta, November 18, 2014. (Adobe Stock Photo)
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Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon T3 departing runway 31 in Luqa, Malta, November 18, 2014. (Adobe Stock Photo)
February 20, 2026 10:41 AM GMT+03:00

Türkiye has secured a guaranteed minimum of 44 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, with a potential pathway to 56 aircraft, depending on ongoing discussions with Qatar and Oman, according to the Turkish defense media outlet TurDef.

The confirmed fleet structure comprises 20 newly built aircraft under a separate intergovernmental production agreement, 12 Tranche 3A aircraft from the Qatari Air Force equipped with ECRS Mk0 AESA radar, and an additional 12 aircraft whose origin—whether from Qatar or Oman—has not yet been definitively established.

"A final tranche of 12 aircraft remains under active discussion. If secured, this would expand the total fleet to 56 aircraft," the report noted.

"The remaining question is therefore not whether Türkiye will operate Eurofighters in significant numbers, but whether the fleet will stabilise at 44 aircraft or scale upward to 56 through additional Gulf participation," TurDef reported.

Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana) Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon multirole fighter aircraft at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK, July 14, 2014. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana) Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon multirole fighter aircraft at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK, July 14, 2014. (Adobe Stock Photo)

Qatar leads, Oman remains in equation for Eurofighters

Türkiye's Eurofighter acquisition framework continues to evolve as negotiations with Qatar move forward in a constructive atmosphere, while Oman remains engaged within the broader structure.

According to the Turkish media outlet, Muscat continues to closely follow developments while taking Türkiye's sensitivities into account, particularly regarding the pricing balance and the overall program structure.

Previous reports had indicated that Qatar's role was becoming more prominent while Oman's position appeared to be fading. However, newly obtained information by the media outlet indicates Oman has recalibrated its approach and adopted a posture more aligned with Türkiye's expectations.

"While Qatar remains the most advanced and operationally actionable track, Oman's continued presence ensures that an additional aircraft source remains structurally viable," the report said.

Two Spanish Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets on an airfield ready for takeoff in Moron, Spain, May 3, 2023. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Two Spanish Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets on an airfield ready for takeoff in Moron, Spain, May 3, 2023. (Adobe Stock Photo)

Training comes first

The Ministry of National Defense clarified that the Eurofighter procurement process is currently centered on training and infrastructure preparation rather than imminent aircraft delivery.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing on Thursday, Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk announced that a Turkish delegation will conduct a working visit to RAF Coningsby in the United Kingdom between Feb. 24-27 to initiate planning for the first training phases of both aircrew and ground personnel.

Akturk's remarks effectively rule out earlier media claims suggesting Eurofighter aircraft could arrive in Türkiye as early as the end of February.

The process appears aligned with the Turkish Air Force's established sustainment doctrine, which prioritizes personnel qualification and maintenance infrastructure before platform induction.

Pilot and technician training constitutes the first milestone, followed by the establishment of the required maintenance ecosystem.

Initial heavy maintenance activities are expected to be carried out at the 1st Air Maintenance Factory Directorate in Eskisehir, operated by Military Factory and Shipyard Management Inc.(ASFAT) under the authority of the Defense Ministry.

Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft at an unspecified location and time. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft at an unspecified location and time. (Adobe Stock Photo)

Airbus delegation visits Türkiye

Ministry Spokesperson also disclosed that Jose Luis De Miguel Cortes, President of Europe at Airbus, and an accompanying delegation visited Türkiye between Feb. 17 and 19, meeting Deputy Ministers Musa Heybet and Salih Ayhan.

Heybet serves concurrently as Chairman of the Board of ASFAT A.S., while the Directorate General of Military Factories operates under Ayhan's supervision.

February 20, 2026 10:41 AM GMT+03:00
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