Turkey seeks additional Typhoon jets

In October 2025, Turkey was nearing the purchase of twenty Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from the United Kingdom for 8 billion pounds sterling. The country is now considering acquiring between twelve and twenty-four additional used aircraft from Qatar and Oman to bolster its air force.

Omani jets less advanced

Ankara's interest in twelve Omani Typhoon jets has waned because their sensors are less advanced compared to those used by the Qatari air force. Both the Omani and Qatari jets belong to the 3A batch, but the Omani models use a mechanical scan CAPTOR-M radar, while the Qatari models are equipped with the more advanced electronic scan CAPTOR-E Mk0 radar developed by Leonardo.

Turkish defense talks with Qatar

Despite the close military relationship between Turkey and Qatar, no agreement has been finalized yet, though it may come within a few weeks. The Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed in a press briefing on October 22 that efforts are ongoing to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from Qatar to meet the needs of its Air Force Command.

Logistics and training discussions

The ministry also revealed that two meetings with Qatari officials were held in August and September to discuss the number of Typhoon aircraft and the type of ammunition Turkey might acquire. These meetings also addressed the training of pilots and maintenance personnel, as well as the operational readiness of the aircraft.

Qatar’s available aircraft

Initially, the Qatari air force could part with twelve of its Typhoon jets. This number matches the number of Typhoon jets belonging to the 4th batch that Qatar planned to order from BAE Systems as part of its defense partnership with the United Kingdom.

Training and readiness preparations

On September 27, the Royal Air Force (RAF) announced that two Turkish pilots had begun a twelve-month training program with the 29 Squadron to become Typhoon instructors. They will remain in the UK as instructors "until Turkey receives its first Typhoon jets in 2030," the RAF said. In March, Turkey also signed a contract worth "several billion" pounds sterling to ensure the delivery of spare parts, support equipment, advanced simulators, and electronic warfare capabilities.