Negotiations between Germany and Turkey regarding the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets are heating up, with conflicting reports emerging about preconditions and guarantees.
Turkey insists on a clean deal. A Turkish defense ministry official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, emphasized that “technical level work” is underway to expedite the procurement of up to 40 Eurofighters, worth an estimated $5.6 billion. Crucially, the official denied any preconditions set by Germany. This comes after Germany, initially hesitant, agreed to engage in technical discussions with Turkey for the sale.
German concerns leak out. However, sources speaking to Middle East Eye (MEE) paint a different picture. They claim German officials have expressed concerns regarding the potential use of Eurofighters and other military equipment in ways that could heighten tensions with Greece in the Aegean Sea.
According to MEE, Germany is particularly concerned about potential violations of disputed Greek airspace. Reportedly, Berlin seeks written assurances from Ankara that the aircraft wouldn’t be used for such purposes – a condition Turkey deems unacceptable as it infringes upon its sovereignty.
Internal pressure in Germany. Adding another layer of complexity, MEE’s sources suggest that German approval might be limited to naval weapons, citing internal opposition to broader arms sales to Turkey. This limited approval could be a strategic maneuver, allowing Germany to appease its partners in the Eurofighter consortium – Spain, Italy, and the UK – who support the sale, while placating domestic critics.
Analysts weigh in. Defense industry analysts consulted by Turkish Minute concur that while Turkish officials deny preconditions, Germany is unlikely to greenlight the sale without guarantees regarding the Eurofighters’ use. They point out that recent German approval for exporting naval weapons to Turkey might be a bargaining chip in separate negotiations concerning the deportation of Turkish asylum seekers from Germany.
The bigger picture. This potential deal represents a thawing of relations between Germany and Turkey, following years of strained ties due to political disagreements. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the balance of power in the region and the future of German-Turkish relations. It is important to note that Turkey is also in the process of procuring F-16 fighter jets from the United States and developing its own indigenous fighter jet, the KAAN.