Turkey's air fleet modernization takes flight with Eurofighters
Turkey strives to modernize its air force, which relies primarily on F-16 aircraft. Because negotiations with the USA have been complex, Ankara has decided to acquire Eurofighters from British factories. Here, we present the background of this decision and the performance of these aircraft.
Due to a dispute with the Americans, partly related to the purchase of the Russian S-400 system, Turkey has been blocked from participating in and receiving F-35 aircraft. Moreover, in 2024, Turkey opted out of an agreement to modernize its F-16 fleet, which its domestic industry will instead upgrade.
This situation forced Ankara to find another partner, which turned out to be the United Kingdom. The initial plans to purchase Eurofighters from the UK emerged in 2023 but were blocked by Germany. Due to the production of some aircraft components, Germany has the right to a veto, which they exercised.
The British took nearly two years to lift the veto, and it is worth noting that the future of the BAE Systems factory in Warton depends on this sale. Now, as the Turks report, the United Kingdom has presented a contract proposal for selling 40 aircraft, which could lead to further orders.
These aircraft will enable Turkey to counter the Greek advantage gained by acquiring French Rafale aircraft in the event of potential conflicts over Cyprus, which has been a "bone of contention" between Ankara and Athens for decades.
European guardian of the skies
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a versatile fighter jet created by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. Its design features delta wings and a canard configuration, a rare solution that has only gained interest in recent decades. This configuration ensures excellent manoeuvrability at low and high speeds, including supersonic speeds.
The Eurofighter Typhoon has two engines, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of Mach 2, approximately 2,448 km/h. Moreover, it can maintain supersonic flight without afterburners, reaching Mach 1.2, corresponding to approximately 1,470 km/h.
Pilots of this fighter jet can access advanced multifunctional displays (MHDD) or use the Helmet-Mounted Symbology System (HMSS) displays. These allow them to quickly access information without removing their eyes from their surroundings.
The Eurofighter Typhoon can carry many weapons on 13 pylons and lift more than 8,981 kg of payload. Among the available weaponry options are medium-range air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM and MBDA Meteor, short-range missiles like IRIS-T, AIM-9 Sidewinder, and AIM-132 ASRAAM, anti-armour missiles like Brimstone, guided bombs from the Paveway or JDAM/ER family, and cruise missiles like the TAURUS KEPD 350.
For Turkey, the MBDA Meteor missiles will be particularly useful. Their range to target enemy aircraft can reach up to 200 km, which is a significant improvement over the AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.
