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Türkiye's 20 newbuild Eurofighter Typhoon jets will arrive in Tranche 4+ configuration, armed with the Leonardo ECRS Mk 0 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a system that will initially outpace even the UK's own radar upgrade timeline, Janes has reported.
The configuration details emerged alongside a GBP 2.6 billion ($3.44 billion) training and technical support deal signed in London on March 25.
The radar and configuration choices will define how Türkiye's newest NATO-compatible combat fleet integrates with allied air forces, reshaping the eastern Mediterranean air power balance as Ankara simultaneously develops its indigenous KAAN fifth-generation fighter.
A source with knowledge of the program, speaking to Janes on condition of anonymity, outlined the standard and configuration for the 20 aircraft ordered by Türkiye for GBP 5.4 billion in October 2025.
With deliveries to the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) set to commence in 2030, the most advanced Eurofighter standard available at that time will be the Tranche 4+, effectively the Tranche 5 minus the Long Term Evolution (LTE) package, according to the source.
As the deal is a government-to-government arrangement between Türkiye and the U.K., the source indicated the configuration should be largely common between the two countries where possible.
The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) plans to equip 40 of its Typhoons with the ECRS Mk 2 AESA radar from 2030 at the earliest, meaning the system will likely not be ready in time for the initial Turkish airframes.
The Turkish jets will therefore initially come with the ECRS Mk 0 AESA radar.
The radar revelation came as Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler and British Defense Secretary John Healey signed the GBP 2.6 billion training and support contract in London.
The agreement focuses on technical and logistical support for the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft under the Eurofighter Typhoon Project, according to a statement from Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense (MoND).
Under the contract, BAE Systems will deliver spare parts and support equipment, engineer and pilot training, high-fidelity training simulators, and electronic warfare capabilities.
BAE Systems will also provide technical support services for the first three years after the aircraft enters service.
The agreement will support the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Turkish Armed Forces while gradually increasing Türkiye's independent support capability, according to Türkiye's MoND.
Under separate arrangements with the UK government, the Royal Air Force will train 10 Turkish instructor pilots and approximately 100 ground crew technicians covering mechanical, avionics, weapons, and mission systems.
This will enable the Turkish Air Force to independently train and support its future pilots and ground crews.
"This partnership does not just export world-leading British-built jets; it builds alliances, grows our economy, and makes NATO stronger," Healey said in a statement.
"As UK Typhoon pilots continue to fly defensive missions over the Middle East, I'm proud that Turkish pilots and engineers will train alongside our RAF personnel to strengthen our collective security," he added.
Simon Barnes, managing director of BAE Systems' Air sector, said: "We are proud to contribute to the partnership between the UK and Türkiye by serving as a trusted provider of a defense solution that deepens cooperation and strengthens shared security commitments."
"Türkiye's acquisition of the Eurofighter Typhoon strengthens the partnership between the two countries while enhancing Türkiye's advanced air combat capability," Barnes said.
"We are delighted to play a critical role in preparing Türkiye to operate its new aircraft under this training and support agreement signed with the UK Government," he added.
The original procurement contract covering 20 aircraft, equipment, and munitions was signed in October 2025 during a visit by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Ankara at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
U.K. Defense Secretary Healey and Royal Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth also attended the ceremony at Murted Air Base Command.
The U.K. government announced the deal as the largest combat aircraft export in recent history, valued at up to GBP 8 billion.
That figure represents the total package ceiling, including the 20 aircraft, MBDA-produced METEOR missiles, pilot training, spare parts, and all integration services.
The GBP 5.4 billion figure represents the initial contract value covering airframe components, final assembly, and weapons integration.
Final assembly of Türkiye's Eurofighter aircraft will take place in Warton, Lancashire. Production is already underway in the U.K. and other Eurofighter partner nations.
The Turkish Air Force will become the 10th air force worldwide to operate the Eurofighter Typhoon, but with the ECRS Mk 2 radar timeline still uncertain and Türkiye's indigenous KAAN fighter in parallel development, the question of whether Ankara pushes for a radar upgrade before the full fleet is delivered remains open.
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