Turkiye to buy 20 eurofighter jets from UK

Initially, Turkiye was a major partner in manufacturing different parts of F-35 JSF aircraft. Almost 900 parts including the crucial center fuselage, composite skins, various structural and air frame components, engine parts, weapon bay doors and composite air inlets, panoramic cockpit display, missile control interface parts, various electronic components for targeting system were being manufactured in Turkiye. 

In 2019, USA removed Turkiye from it’s F-35 program due to it’s decision to purchase S-400 missile system from Russia as US government feared that the S-400 system can collect confidential data about F-35 systems and capabilities specially the radar cross section (RCS) and heat signature of the F-35. 

Turkiye than decided to look for other options to modernize it’s air force. Eurofighter Typhoon was selected for Turkish Air Force and the deal was signed with UK to purchase 20 new jets. Turkiye will also be receiving 12 used Eurofighter jets from Qatar and 12 from Oman which will fill the immediate capability gap until it’s locally built KAAN fighter aircraft is inducted into Turkish Air Force.

Additionally, Turkiye is also working on developing an advanced 5th generation aircraft known as KAAN domestically. The KAAN aircraft will replace the aging fleet of F-16 in Turkish Air Force. KAAN’s first flight was made in February 2024 and is expected to be operational in 2030.