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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said discussions over the acquisition of Eurofighter jets are advancing, adding that Türkiye may also purchase aircraft currently in service with Qatar and Oman.
“We have taken positive steps with both the United Kingdom and Germany on the Eurofighter issue,” Erdogan told reporters aboard his flight Saturday after returning from Azerbaijan. “But in addition to this, we also held some talks with Qatar and Oman. It is possible that we may purchase some of the Eurofighters they currently have.”
The Turkish president was in Baku earlier in the day to attend Azerbaijan’s Victory Day celebrations, where he witnessed a military parade commemorating the liberation of Shusha during the 2020 Karabakh war.
Erdogan said if the Eurofighter agreements are concluded, “positive developments will follow,” and emphasized the broader growth of Türkiye’s domestic defense industry.
“With the steps we are taking in our defense industry at home, Türkiye will gain significant capabilities,” he said.
Erdogan also addressed the stalled F-35 and F-16 deals with the United States. “Regarding the F-35, during our most recent meeting with U.S. President Mr. Trump, we took positive steps,” he said. “I hope the promises given will be fulfilled, and we will gain strong capabilities with the F-35s.”
Türkiye was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 following its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system. Talks have since continued over reimbursement and future defense procurement options.
On the ongoing civil war in Sudan, Erdogan said Türkiye “cannot simply watch what is happening there from afar” and would intensify diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability.
“We will continue our diplomatic efforts to ensure peace and security in Sudan,” he said. “The Sudanese people should be assured that Türkiye stands with them.”
He described Sudan as a nation that expects Türkiye to “extend a helping hand at any moment,” adding, “We believe this conflict must end as soon as possible and that solutions must be found through dialogue.”
Fighting between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has continued since April 15, 2023, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced.
Erdogan also condemned the obstruction of humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza and said the issue transcends politics.
“Delivering urgently needed supplies to Gaza is extremely important for us,” he said. “This issue is not only a matter of aid but also a matter of humanity. Our nation is truly very, very sensitive on this issue.”
He noted that Türkiye’s 17th aid ship had reached Egypt’s El-Arish port, but access to Gaza was still being restricted.
“There was supposed to be permission for 600 trucks of humanitarian aid to enter daily, but even this promise, and they were the ones who made it, is not being kept,” he said. “We are making great efforts to deliver our nation’s entrusted aid to our Palestinian brothers and sisters.”
Israel has killed nearly 69,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured more than 170,000 in Gaza since launching its military campaign in October 2023, according to Palestinian authorities. A ceasefire went into effect on Oct. 10.
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