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Negotiations for the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye are progressing in a positive atmosphere, according to the British Consul General in Istanbul, Kenan Poleo.
Speaking at the Islamic Finance Summit in London, hosted by the U.K. Department for Business and Trade in partnership with Türkiye’s Participation Banks Association, Poleo emphasized the alignment among the four partner countries on the potential sale.
"At this stage, the discussions on the Eurofighter Typhoon sale are very positive. We are confident that all four partner countries are willing to see Türkiye acquire the Eurofighter Typhoon," he told Anadolu Agency (AA).
Türkiye has pursued Eurofighter Typhoons since 2022 as part of its fleet modernization efforts, following delays in F-16 procurement from the United States and its exclusion from the F-35 program in 2019.
The potential Typhoon deal is significant for Türkiye as it seeks to modernize its air force following its removal from the U.S.-led F-35 program.
As a result, Türkiye has been exploring alternative options to modernize its fleet, and the Eurofighter Typhoon is seen as a strategic alternative to the F-35.
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The proposed deal reportedly includes 40 jets: 20 used Tranche 1 aircraft from the U.K. and 20 new-generation Tranche 4 jets, expected to enter service by 2030. Turkish defense sources have also indicated the UK may transfer 28 retired Tranche 1 jets to Türkiye at no cost, but this claim is still unconfirmed.
Partner countries in the Eurofighter program—Germany, the U.K., Italy, and Spain—must unanimously approve any export.
In November 2024, Germany signaled approval after discussions between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Türkiye submitted technical requirements in early 2025 and began evaluating the U.K. Ministry of Defense’s proposal.
Recently, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler received BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn and UK Ambassador to Türkiye Jill Morris at the ministry headquarters on Saturday for discussions on critical defense cooperation matters.
The Ministry of National Defense announced the meeting on social media, stating that Air Force Commander Gen. Ziya Cemal Kadioglu also participated in the reception.
The talks, held in Ankara, are seen as part of ongoing negotiations over Türkiye's procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets.
Emphasizing his optimism about the positive progress of the process, Poleo said, "I believe all relevant countries have realized the importance of Türkiye acquiring Eurofighter Typhoons."
He described Türkiye as a "very important partner and key NATO ally."
The Eurofighter Typhoon program includes the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Germany as partners.
These countries collaborate on the design, production, and export of the aircraft, with export decisions requiring approval from all four nations.
Poleo also discussed efforts to update the U.K.-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement.
"The first round of official negotiations has just concluded," he said. "Both Turkish and British negotiators are optimistic and eager to meet for the second round."
The updated deal aims to be a modern, mutually beneficial agreement. Bilateral trade has reached £27 billion ($36.7 billion), Poleo said, and continues to grow.
"We want to see a modern free trade agreement that could serve as an example to the world," he added.
"There is major potential for collaboration in digital trade systems and service market access."
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