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BAE Systems confirmed that active negotiations for Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft are currently underway between the Turkish Ministry of National Defence and U.K. Ministry of Defence, in an exclusive statement to Türkiye Today.
"Negotiations are presently underway led by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence and UK Ministry of Defence," a BAE Systems spokesman stated, adding: "We are supporting the UK Government in its discussions with Türkiye about their shared defence and security priorities, including its stated interest in Typhoon."
The confirmation comes as both nations continue discussions on Türkiye's plans to modernize its aging fighter aircraft fleet through the Eurofighter procurement program.
The U.K. government officially reaffirmed its support for the proposed Eurofighter Typhoon sale to Türkiye, acknowledging ongoing discussions with Germany and other Eurofighter program partner nations.
In a written parliamentary response published on April 30, 2025, Defence Minister Maria Eagle responded to a query from Graeme Downie MP (Labour – Dunfermline and Dollar), stating that the UK is "supportive of the prospective sale of Eurofighter Typhoon to Türkiye, as its next fighter platform."
Eagle emphasized the importance of regular discussions between the U.K. and Germany on various military equipment issues and joint programs.
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler recently emphasized that Türkiye's primary engagement is with the United Kingdom rather than Germany in the Eurofighter procurement process.
"The Eurofighter process is proceeding exactly as planned. Our counterpart is not Germany, it is the United Kingdom. Everything on our side is continuing according to plan," Guler stated during the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day reception at the Turkish Parliament.
Guler's remarks addressed recent German media reports claiming Berlin had blocked the planned export of Eurofighter jets to Türkiye.
Germany's Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection has rejected claims that the government has blocked Eurofighter jet sales to Türkiye.
Ministry spokesperson Tim-Niklas Wentzel clarified that the current interim government has not made any decision regarding the Eurofighter sale, stating that significant arms export decisions will be made by the new government taking office next month.
"The new government will decide on matters concerning comprehensive arms and equipment exports; the current interim government will not make decisions on this in advance," Wentzel said in response to questions from Turkish news agency Anadolu.
Türkiye's interest in acquiring Eurofighter jets began in 2022 amid challenges to modernize its aging fighter aircraft fleet. The procurement process has developed through several key phases:
The procurement plan reportedly includes up to 40 Eurofighter aircraft. According to defense industry sources, the arrangement includes 20 second-hand Tranche 1 aircraft from the U.K. and 20 new Tranche 4 jets intended to enter service by 2030.
Recent reports from Turkish defense media suggest a more detailed procurement schedule has emerged, indicating Türkiye will acquire 20 Tranche 4 and 20 Tranche 5 aircraft from the U.K., with deliveries scheduled for 2027 (T4) and 2028 (T5).
Additionally, unconfirmed reports indicate the UK may donate 28 Tranche 1 Eurofighter aircraft previously set aside for disposal to Türkiye at no cost.
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