All's Not Set in Stone: Germany's Decision on Eurofighter Delivery to Turkey
Turkey is considered a highly valuable and crucial partner within NATO, according to Merz. - Turkey remains a highly valuable and crucial partner within NATO, according to Merz.
As of this moment, the decision on whether to release Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey is hanging in the balance. While the new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, seems open to the idea, Germany's stance remains uncertain.
During his inaugural visit to NATO, Merz highlighted the importance of Turkey as a strategic partner. He and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed a shared commitment to keeping Turkey, a key NATO member, close. Yet, whether to approve the delivery of combat aircraft to Turkey is a decision the federal government must still make.
Turkey has expressed a desire for 40 Eurofighter jets, but the German government must give the green light for the export to move forward. As Germany plays a role in the European joint project, any export requires their approval.
Recent political tensions have complicated the situation. In April 2025, the arrest of İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a vocal opposition figure, sparked international criticism. The German caretaker government, which is in power until the incoming coalition takes office in May, has chosen to delay significant arms export decisions until then.
Turkey sees the Eurofighter Typhoon as part of its strategy to modernize its air force. This need arises, in part, due to Turkey being removed from the US-led F-35 program in 2021. Despite Germany's current block on the sale, Turkey continues to look to the UK for help in securing the Eurofighter Typhoon.
As things stand, while Turkey remains an essential NATO partner, Germany's stance on the Eurofighter sale is far from decisive. Political tensions and the formation of the incoming government are guiding factors. Until then, the fate of the Eurofighter deal remains up in the air.
The European Union and its Member States, including Germany, hold significant influence over the export of Eurofighter Typhoon jets due to Germany's involvement in the joint project. NATO, as a coalition, has acknowledged the strategic importance of Turkey, yet Germany's decision on the delivery of these jets is still pending. During the interim period, German politics, influenced by the upcoming coalition, and recent tensions between Turkey and Germany, such as the arrest of İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, have complicated the situation. While Merz, as the new Chancellor, has expressed an open stance towards Turkey, the CDU party's policy-and-legislation on the matter is yet to be determined, playing a crucial role in the general news surrounding this issue.
