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Security sources have ended ongoing disputes over the pricing of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, confirming that Türkiye acquired the aircraft at prices comparable to what manufacturing nations pay, with the jets expected to be flight-ready by the first quarter of 2027.
According to security sources cited in a report by Akif Bulbul from Türkiye daily, the Eurofighter jets were not purchased at inflated prices above their actual value.
"The aircraft were acquired at a price close to what the manufacturing countries themselves procure them at," security sources stated.
Security sources emphasized that these aircraft are being viewed as an alternative until Türkiye's indigenous and national KAAN aircraft enters service and will be combat-ready by the first quarter of 2027.
Security sources have provided a comprehensive evaluation addressing pricing concerns by stating, "The aircraft were not purchased at a price above their value. They were acquired at a price close to what the manufacturing countries procure themselves. We are purchasing these aircraft for the first time, but it is very important and an excellent procurement."
"We operated the procurement process to have the aircraft ready for operation in the shortest time as a transition period alternative. The package includes significant munitions," the security sources said.
"The 20 aircraft to be purchased from the United Kingdom, along with equipment and munitions, have a contract value of £5.4 billion," the security sources added.
The security sources also clarified the significance of statements made by the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, adding, "The British Prime Minister's statement of £8 billion represents this agreement's side revenues to the British economy and the potential contribution it will provide through new contracts in the coming period."
Türkiye is also advancing procurement agreements with Qatar and Oman for additional Eurofighter aircraft, according to the security sources.
"We will acquire 12 aircraft from Qatar, and we can say the agreement is finalized. The incoming Eurofighter aircraft are considered new. They have not flown much. They have a maximum of 200 flight hours. This is essentially zero flight hours. Normal flight lifespans are between 8,000 and 10,000 hours," security sources noted.
"They will arrive in the first quarter of next year. The British said, 'We can deliver by 2030.' However, we acted early and began the procurement process," security sources stated.
"Negotiations with Oman are continuing. We will acquire 10-12 aircraft. These aircraft are the same model but require minor modernization," security sources added.
Türkiye is preparing comprehensive pilot training and infrastructure modifications to ensure the aircraft reaches full operational capability.
"Pilot training will also be conducted. There will be approximately five to six months of training. We estimate that the aircraft will be fully combat-ready by the first quarter of 2027," security sources added.
"We are working on determining which air bases will host the aircraft. Our infrastructure is suitable for these aircraft, but there may be minor modifications to our hangars. This is because they are larger and twin-engine aircraft compared to F-16s," security sources stated.
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Security sources placed Türkiye's military capabilities in a global context, noting that the nation is not in a dire position regarding military power.
"We are not in a 'dead and finished' situation in terms of power. Türkiye ranks 9th globally in firepower. Israel ranks 16th, and Greece ranks 19th. These purchases are forward-looking. However, these rankings can gradually change with purchases," sources noted.
"Until our national and indigenous KAAN aircraft enter service, these aircraft will serve as an alternative," security sources stated.
The Eurofighter aircraft also represents a significant advancement in combat capabilities compared to existing Turkish fighter aircraft.
"In air-to-air combat, they are better aircraft than F-35s and F-16s. Many munitions will come with the aircraft. Meteor missiles will provide us with a very significant advantage. They will extend our range. AESA radars that detect enemies from long distances are also included in the package," security sources said.
The security sources emphasized that the Eurofighter procurement will address Greece's current advantage in the Aegean Sea, shifting the regional balance in Türkiye's favor.
"Greece currently possesses both Meteor missiles and AESA radars and holds a superior position against us. When these enter our inventory, they will provide balance in the Aegean Sea against Greece. Thus, Greece's advantages will disappear," security sources stated.
The acquisition represents a critical step in redressing the military balance in the Eastern Mediterranean, with the advanced weapons systems and sensors providing Türkiye with capabilities previously unavailable in the region.
The Eurofighter procurement package includes significant advanced weapons systems and sensor arrays, according to the report.
"The package includes Meteor missiles and AESA radars. Meteor missiles will provide us with a very significant advantage. They will extend our range. AESA radars that detect enemies from long distances are also included in the package," security sources noted.
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