Federal government gives green light for Eurofighter shipment to Turkey - Delivery of Eurofighters now green-lit by U.S. federal authorities, set for Turkey
In a significant move, Germany's Federal Security Council has approved the export of 40 Eurofighter jets to Turkey, a decision that paves the way for the sale to proceed [2][3]. This approval marks a significant hurdle, given Germany's traditionally restrictive arms export policies.
The Eurofighter consortium responsible for these jets consists of Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain, represented by companies Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo [2][3]. The deal, once finalised, is expected to strengthen NATO's collective defence and foster industrial collaboration.
On July 23, 2025, Turkey and the UK signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul, marking a major step towards finalising a contract for the 40 Eurofighter Typhoons [1][4]. The MoU confirms the intention to proceed, but the procurement agreement is still pending further negotiations, potentially concluding by fall 2025 [1][4].
The involvement of the federal government of Germany is central because, under German law, the federal security council’s approval is mandatory for arms exports. Their clearance indicates a political and regulatory green light for the deal [2][3]. The UK government and BAE Systems, which handles final assembly of the jets, are actively negotiating the deal, and Britain’s defence secretary highlighted that equipping Turkey with Eurofighters would bolster NATO’s collective defence while benefiting both countries’ defence industries [1][4].
Meanwhile, Turkey is also negotiating with the United States to buy and upgrade F-16 jets and continues investing in domestic fighter programs such as the TF-X (KAAN) and Hürjet, showing a multi-pronged approach to modernising its air force [3].
Greece, under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has purchased 24 Rafale combat jets from France [1]. Despite being NATO members, Greece and Turkey have tensions due to competing territorial claims.
The decision complies with the wishes of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and both Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the British government were informed about the decision [2][3]. However, Turkey has assured that the Eurofighter aircraft will be used within the framework of NATO solidarity and not against another member of the alliance.
In summary, the German federal security council's approval for 40 Eurofighter jets to Turkey moves the deal closer to a contract. The Eurofighter consortium includes Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain, with key companies Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo involved. The deal strengthens NATO capabilities and industrial collaboration. Final contract signing is expected after ongoing negotiations, potentially by fall 2025. This represents a notable advancement in Turkey's defence procurement involving key European partners, primarily Germany and the UK [1][2][3][4].
In the progression of the deal, the approval from Germany's Federal Security Council paves the way for the sale of 40 Eurofighter jets to Turkey, a move that strengthens both NATO's collective defense and the cooperation in the aerospace industry. The deal, with Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain as partners, is anticipated to foster more collaboration in finance and industry.
