Ministry of National Defence (MSB) sources announced that the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) is working on a critical interim solution to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of its missions. Until the deliveries of the indigenous and national fighter jet KAAN begin, it is planned to procure the system needs that will arise from the relevant countries, especially from allies. At the centre of this strategy is the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, in which President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was personally involved.
Interim Solution Required Until KAAN Delivery
speaking at the weekly press briefing held on 23 October 2025, Ministry of National Defence sources stated that the deficit that will occur until the KAAN, which is the symbol of Turkey’s defence industry breakthrough, starts mass production, should be closed. In order to meet the operational requirements of the TAF, the procurement of off-the-shelf systems such as the Eurofighter is planned.
MSB sources emphasised that the Eurofighter procurement activities are continuing unabated, and noted that positive steps have been taken, especially in the negotiations with the United Kingdom. The aim is to complete the procurement activities within the appropriate timeframe. Sources stated that official information will be made when the contract phase is reached, and warned not to rely on speculation.
Erdoğan to Qatar and Oman
The issue gained a new dimension on 24 October with President Erdoğan’s statements to journalists on the plane after his visits to Qatar and Oman. President Erdoğan confirmed that he was in direct talks with the two countries regarding the Eurofighter procurement: Qatar and Oman.
Erdoğan stated that he personally carried out these contacts together with the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs and that the negotiations will continue rapidly in the following period. The President emphasised that the Air Force will become much stronger with the purchase of these aircraft. Erdoğan also stated that the purchase negotiations, which are being carried out under the coordination of the Ministry of National Defence, are progressing positively. This shows that the Eurofighter procurement process is being accelerated not only through the producer consortium countries, but also through the user countries.
Critical Memorandum of Understanding with the United Kingdom
The Eurofighter procurement process gained momentum with a critical step taken between Turkey and the United Kingdom in late July 2025. The Minister of National Defence and the UK Minister of Defence met in Istanbul as part of the IDEF 2025 Exhibition and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
In the statement, it was stated that significant progress had been made in the export of the Eurofighter Typhoon and that Turkey’s participation among the users of this platform would further strengthen the strategic solidarity between NATO allies. The then Minister of National Defence stated that the MoU was one step closer to a full-scale agreement and that there was a common determination to finalise the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.
With these procurement steps, Turkey aims to maintain its air defence capability without interrupting the development process of the indigenous fighter jet KAAN, while reinforcing its strategic position within NATO.
