While they may not match the stealth and sensor fusion of Israel’s F-35s, their deployment would still significantly improve Turkey’s operational flexibility and regional deterrence.
While Turkey’s agreement with Germany and the United Kingdom for the purchase of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets does not constitute a direct or immediate threat to Israel’s air superiority, it is nonetheless a “headache,” an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post.
The agreement marks a significant step in Ankara’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military.
The aircraft, developed jointly by the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, are considered among the most advanced fourth-plus-generation fighter jets in the world. Their inclusion in the Turkish Air Force fleet would significantly boost the country’s aerial combat capabilities.
“This isn’t a game-changing threat to our Air Force. The Typhoon is a capable but not superior aircraft compared to our fighter jets,” the official said. “But it’s a clear and worrying signal that Turkey is accelerating its arms buildup in a way that could eventually challenge Israel’s military edge in the region.”
The Eurofighter Typhoon “4.5 generation” aircraft are highly maneuverable, equipped with advanced radar systems, and capable of multi-role missions including air superiority and ground attack.
While they may not match the stealth and sensor fusion of Israel’s F-35s, their deployment would still significantly improve Turkey’s operational flexibility and regional deterrence.
In parallel, Turkey is actively pursuing additional deals for US-made F-16s and potentially even F-35s, after being removed from the F-35 program in 2019 due to its purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems. These renewed efforts have raised alarms in Jerusalem, especially amid reports that Ankara is also expanding its naval and drone capabilities.
Lapid blames Israeli government for not blocking deal
Opposition leader Yair Lapid lashed out at the Israeli government this week, blaming it for failing to block the Eurofighter sale.
“If Israel had a functioning Foreign Ministry or a normal government, it would have already intervened diplomatically to prevent this arms deal from advancing,” Lapid said. “Germany and the UK are now equipping Turkey with powerful jets that could eventually alter the balance of power in the region.”
He warned that Turkey already has the largest navy in the Middle East, and now seems to be targeting aerial parity with Israel. “This is dangerous,” Lapid stressed, “and our inactive government let it happen, without lifting a finger.”
Israel’s recent wars in the region, including its 12-day conflict with Turkey’s neighbor Iran and more recent strikes on another neighbor, Syria, have unnerved Ankara, prompting a push for rapid armament in order to counter any potential threats.
Speaking at a signing ceremony on Wednesday with British Defense Secretary John Healey in Istanbul, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said the deal brought Turkey “one step closer to a fully comprehensive agreement” on the jets, adding it would also strengthen NATO and Turkey’s aerial capabilities.
“We welcome this positive step toward our country joining the Eurofighter Typhoon club, and want to reiterate our mutual ambition to complete the necessary arrangements as soon as possible,” he said.
Guler also told reporters that the composition of the planned acquisition was for 40 jets, but that different options were being considered.
Reuters contributed to this report.
23/07/2025 by THE JERUSALEM POST
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