Turkey boosts air power with Eurofighter deal from UK
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. We present the background of this decision and the performance of these aircraft.
Due to a dispute with the Americans, partly related to purchasing the Russian S-400 system, the Turks have been blocked from participating and receiving F-35 aircraft. Moreover, in 2024, the Turks opted out of an agreement to modernize their F-16 fleet, which the domestic industry will modify.
This situation forced Ankara to find another partner, which turned out to be the United Kingdom. The first plans to purchase Eurofighters from the UK appeared in 2023 but were blocked by Germany. Due to the production of some aircraft components, they have 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. As the Turks report, the United Kingdom has presented a contract proposal to sell 40 aircraft, which may lead to further orders.
These will allow the Turks 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 maneuverability 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 1,520 mph. Moreover, it can maintain supersonic flight without afterburners, reaching Mach 1.2, corresponding to approximately 914 mph.
Pilots of this fighter jet can access advanced multifunctional displays (MHDD) or use 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 a wide range of weapons on 13 pylons, lifting more than 19,800 pounds 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, AIM-132 ASRAAM, anti-armor missiles like Brimstone, guided bombs from the Paveway or JDAM/ER family, and cruise missiles like TAURUS KEPD 350.
For the Turks, the MBDA Meteor missiles will be particularly useful. Their range to target enemy aircraft can reach up to 124 miles, which is a significant improvement over the AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.
