The Hold on Eurofighter Sales: A Delicate Balance for Turkey-Germany Relations within NATO
Turkey remains a highly significant, critical partner within NATO, asserts Merz. - Turkey remains a highly valuable and crucial NATO ally.
The prospective deal for Eurofighter Typhoon jets to turkey currently faces a stalemate. This halt, initiated on April 17, 2025, primarily due to political uncertainties within Turkey, like the detainment of opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu [1][2][4], now falls under the jurisdiction of the incoming German government, most likely headed by Friedrich Merz, following federal elections [2][3]. The new administration will grapple with this intricate dilemma, as the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) supports the sale, while its partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has expressed skepticism [3].
As the new Federal Chancellor, Friedrich Merz envisions close partnership with Turkey on defense matters and has expressed his intention to cooperate closely with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. He acknowledges Turkey’s strategic significance within NATO, asserting it safeguards a critical space of immense relevance [5]. Consequently, Turkey stands as an indispensable and crucial NATO partner for Germany, and Merz aims to strengthen and further this alliance [5].
Accepting the Invite from Erdogan Awaits Decision on Combat Aircraft Delivery
Merz has expressed his readiness to accept an invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the near future. Despite turkey requesting 40 Eurofighter combat jets, the German government’s approval remains uncertain for this export [5]. As Germany is integrated into the European joint Eurofighter project, the jets cannot be exported without the endorsement of the federal government.
To diversify its military procurement options, Turkey has been discussing potential options with the British government regarding purchasing Tranche 1 Eurofighters [5][6]. This shift indicates Turkey’s emphasis on forging relationships with other NATO allies.
- Friedrich Merz
- Turkey
- NATO
- Eurofighter Typhoon
Sources:
- Suddeutsche Zeitung
- Reuters
- DW
- BBC
- CNN
- Defence News
- The incoming German government, led by Friedrich Merz, will need to address the political uncertainties in Turkey, including the detainment of opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu, as it reconsiders the deal for Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey.
- Merz has expressed an intention to strengthen Germany's alliance with NATO, especially with Turkey, which he views as an indispensable partner due to its strategic significance within the alliance.
- As Turkey awaits a decision on the delivery of Eurofighter combat jets, Merz has indicated his readiness to accept an invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
- In case Germany's approval for exporting the Eurofighter jets is uncertain, Turkey has been exploring alternative options, such as discussing potential purchases with the British government regarding Tranche 1 Eurofighters.
