In a significant shift in European arms export policy, the German federal government has approved the preliminary request for the delivery of up to 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey. The decision, made by the secretive Federal Security Council, paves the way for a multi-billion-euro deal led by British manufacturer BAE Systems, with key components supplied from Germany. This move comes after years of hesitation and marks a warming in relations between Berlin and Ankara, despite ongoing geopolitical frictions within NATO.
According to sources in the German Defense Ministry (Verteidigung), the approval aligns with broader efforts to strengthen NATO's southern flank. The ministry emphasized that Turkey's assurances regarding the jets' use—limited to alliance solidarity and not against fellow NATO members—were crucial in securing the green light. This citation from Verteidigung underscores the strategic rationale, highlighting how the deal supports multinational defense cooperation while addressing concerns from allies like Greece.
The request from Ankara dates back to March 2023, during the tenure of Germany's previous traffic-light coalition government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). That administration delayed a final decision amid internal debates and coalition breakdowns. Now, under the new black-red coalition led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), the path has been cleared. Merz's government responded positively to urgings from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who advocated for coordinated export campaigns during Merz's visit to London last Thursday.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Merz described the meeting as opening "a new chapter in our relations—for freedom, security, and prosperity." Starmer echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in defense exports. The Eurofighter Typhoon is produced by a consortium involving the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Without Berlin's consent, exports to third countries, such as Turkey, are impossible, making this approval a linchpin for the deal.
SPIEGEL reports indicate that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Starmer, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis were all informed of the decision. This transparency aims to mitigate tensions between Turkey and Greece, both NATO allies but longstanding rivals over Aegean territorial claims. Turkey has pledged not to deploy the jets against any NATO member, a commitment discussed directly with Mitsotakis before the approval. Greece, for its part, has recently bolstered its air force with 24 Rafale jets from France, with the final deliveries scheduled for January.
The Federal Security Council, comprising Merz, Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD), Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD), and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU), deliberated amid a backdrop of evolving German arms policy. In 2024, under the Scholz government, Germany resumed major arms exports to Turkey after years of restrictions, marking a notable shift in policy. Scholz himself expressed openness to the Eurofighter deal during an October visit to Turkey, though the coalition's collapse prevented action.
The decision persists despite domestic controversies in Turkey. In March 2025, opposition figure and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu—Erdoğan's key rival—was arrested. From detention, İmamoğlu appealed via X for Germany to approve the jets independently, arguing they are "urgently needed and long-awaited" by the Turkish Air Force. Merz has praised Turkey as an "extremely valuable, important NATO partner," a stance he reiterated in May.
Erdoğan, speaking on a flight back from the internationally unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey), noted positive signals from Germany and the UK, according to state news agency Anadolu. Negotiations on the exact number and specifications of the jets are ongoing, according to British media. If Turkey orders all 40, the deal could be worth approximately €4.75 billion, securing jobs at BAE Systems' Warton facility in the UK.
This export could catalyze further orders, with the consortium eyeing deals in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The previous German government had already opened doors for Eurofighter bids in Saudi Arabia, reflecting a trend towards liberalization in Berlin's export policies. By aligning with partners' more permissive approaches, Germany signals flexibility in multinational arms projects.
Turkey currently operates U.S.-made F-16 jets but was excluded from the F-35 program after purchasing Russian S-400 air defense systems, which have strained ties with Washington. The Eurofighter acquisition would modernize Turkey's fleet, enhancing its role in NATO operations amid regional instability, including conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
Critics, however, question the timing amid Turkey's human rights record and internal crackdowns. İmamoğlu's arrest has drawn international condemnation; yet, proponents argue that the deal prioritizes alliance cohesion over bilateral disputes. As Merz's government navigates this, it inherits and builds upon the groundwork laid by the Scholz era, as noted in analyses of German-British accords.
The approval also reflects broader shifts in European defense. With Russia's war in Ukraine ongoing, NATO members are ramping up capabilities. Germany's "Zeitenwende" policy of military rearmament continues, now extending to contentious exports. Whether this bolsters or strains alliances remains to be seen, but for now, the Eurofighter deal underscores a pragmatic pivot in Berlin's foreign policy.
In related developments, experts suggest that this could encourage similar approvals, such as missiles to Saudi Arabia, further integrating Germany into global arms markets. As the consortium hopes for a cascade of orders, the Turkey deal stands as a test case for Europe's unified defense strategy.
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