13.03.2025 13:11
According to sources from the Ministry of National Defense (MSB), it has been stated that a proposal is expected from the UK Ministry of Defence and the relevant company for the procurement of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft as part of the Eurofighter procurement process, and that the expected proposal has reached the ministry and is under review.
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MSB sources responded to journalists' questions following the weekly press briefing held at the "Atatürk and Military Monument" at the National Defense University (MSÜ) Army Academy, marking the 126th anniversary of Atatürk's entrance to the Army Academy.
Ministry sources stated regarding questions about the Eurofighter procurement, "We previously announced that the Needs Definition Document prepared for the procurement of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft to meet the operational needs of our Air Force has been sent to the UK Ministry of Defence and the relevant company, and we are awaiting a proposal. The expected proposal has reached our ministry, and the proposal review process is ongoing."
HOW WILL THE PROCESS WORK?
According to the information obtained; the Ministry of National Defense will initially review the proposal presented by the UK with a comprehensive delegation. Subsequently, it will make its final decision on the options for both aircraft and munitions in the procurement package and will request a revision of the proposal if necessary.
Turkey plans to procure a total of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4 fighter jets in a 20+20 format. All of the Tranche 4s, which are the most modern Typhoon configuration for air-to-air combat, will be newly produced. However, Ankara may also procure a certain amount of second-hand Typhoons for training activities. This possibility is currently on the table.
Additionally, the procurement of Meteor Air-to-Air Missiles has been set as a condition by Ankara to London along with the aircraft. This procurement was initially blocked by Germany, but it is known that Germany lifted its objection to the sale following diplomatic efforts. Greece has also been in contact with France and the UK to block the sale of Meteor Air-to-Air Missiles, but it is known that the parties have remained silent on Greece's requests.
The total cost of the procurement is expected to be at least 5 billion euros in the case of procuring 40 Tranche 4 Typhoons.
EUROFIGHTER IS BETTER THAN RAFALE
Eurofighter is described as a good aircraft capable of performing multi-role missions in terms of technology and capacity. While its service ceiling, or the altitude it can reach, is said to be better than that of the F-16, it is noted that although the speed is high, fuel consumption limits the mission duration. It is stated that while Eurofighter is comparable to the French Rafale aircraft, it is better than Rafale in terms of maneuverability, service base, and speed.
Turkey, which has the second largest fleet of US F-16s in the world and has not used any fighter jets other than American ones until now, plans to distribute its fighter jet purchases between American and European manufacturers for the first time.
KEY FEATURES OF EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON
Eurofighter Typhoon is designed as a 4.5 generation multi-role fighter jet, capable of being effectively used in air superiority, attack, and reconnaissance missions. Its high maneuverability, advanced radar systems, and twin-engine design provide a significant advantage in modern combat environments.
* Length: 15.96 meters
* Wingspan: 10.95 meters
* Empty Weight: 11,000 kg
* Maximum Takeoff Weight: 23,500 kg
* Engine: 2 × Eurojet EJ200 turbofan (each with 60 kN thrust)
* Maximum Speed: 2,495 km/h (Mach 2.0)
* Range: 2,900 km
* Service Ceiling: 19,812 meters
* Weapon Carrying Capacity: 9 tons (air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions)
AIR SUPERIORITY
Thanks to the E-Scan (AESA) radar system, Eurofighter Typhoon can detect and track multiple targets simultaneously. Additionally, the DASS (Defensive Aids Sub System) electronic warfare system allows it to evade enemy radars and neutralize threats.
Some of the integrated weapon systems include:
* Meteor and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles (for long-range air combat)
* IRIS-T and ASRAAM short-range air-to-air missiles
* Precision-guided air-to-ground munitions such as Storm Shadow and Brimstone
* Taurus cruise missile (deep strike capability)
WHAT DOES TURKEY'S ACQUISITION MEAN?
Turkey was removed from the F-35 program by the US in 2019 and after this process, it began to evaluate alternative fighter jet options to strengthen its air fleet. It is stated that Eurofighter Typhoon is a viable option that can provide high-level air superiority, especially in addition to the F-16 fleet.
However, the approach of Germany, one of the consortium members, towards the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon to Turkey remains uncertain. While the UK and Spain have taken a more positive stance towards the sale to Turkey, Germany's decision will be one of the important factors determining the course of the process.
If Turkey proceeds with the acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon, it will be one of the first major buyers to acquire fighter jets from a different supplier outside the US. This situation is seen as part of the Turkish Air Force's strategy to create a versatile air power alongside the F-16 and MMU (National Combat Aircraft).
How Turkey will evaluate the proposal and how a potential acquisition decision will affect the military balances in the region will become clear in the upcoming process.
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