Türkiye in talks to acquire Eurofighter jets from Qatar

ANKARA, Türkiye (MNTV) — Türkiye is holding advanced talks with Qatar to acquire second-hand Eurofighter Typhoon jets to modernize its ageing air fleet, according to a report by Middle East Eye. 

The move aims to fill operational gaps until the domestically produced Kaan fighter becomes fully operational in the next decade.

Ankara’s F-16 fleet, many of which are nearing the end of their operational lifespan, has pushed the government to explore multiple procurement options amid delays in securing new-generation aircraft.

In July, Türkiye signed a preliminary memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom to acquire 40 new Eurofighter Typhoons. However, disagreements over cost and delivery schedules have slowed negotiations, with Turkish officials describing the British offer as “too expensive.” Even if finalized, deliveries could take several years.

Qatar, which currently operates 24 Tranche 3A Eurofighter Typhoons, has emerged as a faster and more cost-effective alternative. Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu visited Doha this week to discuss the prospective deal with Qatari Defence Minister Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Any sale would still require approval from the Eurofighter consortium — comprising the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France — but sources familiar with the talks say the group views Türkiye as a valuable long-term customer likely to pursue future upgrades, including advanced Tranche 4 models.

Türkiye’s search for new fighter aircraft follows its 2019 expulsion from the U.S. F-35 program after acquiring Russian S-400 air defence systems, leaving a critical gap in its airpower modernization plans.

While some defence officials support acquiring second-hand Eurofighters or upgraded F-16s, others within Türkiye’s defence industry argue that resources should focus on domestic production and modernization to strengthen technological independence.

The first batch of Turkish-made Kaan fighter jets is expected to roll out by 2028, though defence analysts believe full operational deployment may not occur before 2030.