Germany has approved the long-stalled sale of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role fighters to Turkey, removing the final obstacle to the deal within the Eurofighter consortium—comprised of the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Germany.

Turkey initially requested the purchase in 2023, with negotiations led by the UK. Although Germany gave its official approval in 2024, political developments and a change in government in Berlin had cast uncertainty over when, or if, the deal would be finalized.

The purchase is expected to help bridge a critical capability gap in Turkey’s air force, whose mainstay F-16 fleet—much of it acquired in the 1980s—is rapidly aging. While Ankara recently received U.S. approval for the acquisition of F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft, shortfalls in operational readiness and air superiority persist.

Germany’s role in the consortium was pivotal. Without its consent, the other partners were legally barred from proceeding with any sale to a third country. The newly formed coalition government in Germany, led by the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, has prioritized reducing Europe’s reliance on U.S. defense systems while strengthening partnerships with non-EU allies such as the UK, Norway, and Turkey.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who assumed office in May, has repeatedly emphasized the need to deepen European defense ties with regional partners. The UK has also underscored Turkey’s strategic value, naming it a “key partner” in its 2025 national security strategy.

Amid the finalization of the Eurofighter deal, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid voiced strong criticism, urging efforts to block the sale. Lapid claimed Turkey seeks to achieve airpower parity with Israel, warning that such an arms transfer poses a serious threat.

“If Israel had a functioning foreign ministry or a normal government, the new deal for the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Türkiye by Germany and the UK would have already been blocked,” Lapid said. “Türkiye has the largest and most powerful naval fleet in the Middle East and now aims to achieve parity with Israel in airspace. This is a dangerous situation, and our........

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