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Türkiye is advancing plans to acquire 40 Eurofighter jets, 40 next-generation F-16 aircraft, and 40 F-35 fighter jets as part of a comprehensive air force modernization strategy while awaiting the deployment of its indigenous fifth-generation KAAN fighter aircraft.
The procurement strategy aims to strengthen Türkiye's air defense capabilities during the transition period before the domestically developed KAAN aircraft becomes operational, according to information reported by Türkiye daily.
Türkiye has signed a preliminary agreement for 40 Eurofighter jets with the consortium comprising the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Spain.
The Eurofighter contract is expected to be finalized by the end of this year, with the first aircraft scheduled to enter the Turkish Air Force inventory in 2027.
The timeline requires a two-year preparation period following contract signing, during which specialized hangars will be constructed, pilots will receive training, and technical personnel responsible for maintenance and repair operations will be prepared.
Türkiye is working on procurement plans for 40 units each of F-35 and F-16 fighter aircraft, contingent upon favorable conditions, as part of a strategy to increase diversity and flexibility in its air inventory alongside the Eurofighter acquisition.
The country previously decided to evaluate domestic alternatives for 79 F-16 Block 70 modernization kits.
Additionally, modifications were made to complete the program at $6-7 billion instead of the original $23 billion, including 40 aircraft and related ammunition procurement.
High-level contacts regarding Türkiye's F-35 acquisition continue. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's April meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the NATO Summit resulted in positive signals.
"We saw that Trump was well-intentioned about acquiring F-35s," Erdogan stated following the discussion, leading to interpretations that the United States might reverse its position and allow Türkiye to obtain F-35 aircraft.
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Türkiye, an industrial partner in the F-35 Program, was removed from the program and subjected to an embargo following its acquisition of the S-400 air defense system.
Six F-35A fighter jets produced for the Turkish Air Force have been stored in the United States since 2018.
The comprehensive aircraft acquisition plan represents Türkiye's approach to maintaining air superiority while transitioning to domestically produced fifth-generation fighter capabilities through the KAAN program.
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