Germany has halted a proposed sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey, citing concerns over recent political developments, notably the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
The decision was reported by Handelsblatt on April 17, 2025, citing “several sources familiar with the government’s secret internal deliberations.”
Arrest of İmamoğlu sparks international concern
On March 19, 2025, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure and Istanbul’s mayor, was arrested on charges of corruption and alleged ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). His detention occurred just days before he was expected to be nominated as the Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) candidate for the 2028 presidential election. The arrest led to widespread protests across Turkey, with critics labeling it a politically motivated move to suppress dissent.
The German government viewed İmamoğlu’s arrest as an “attack on Turkish democracy,” prompting a reassessment of arms sales to Turkey. Consequently, Berlin revoked the export authorization for the Typhoon fighter jets, a decision that requires unanimous approval from all Eurofighter consortium members, including the UK, Italy, and Spain.
Implications for Turkey’s Air Force
Turkey had been in negotiations to acquire approximately 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. This procurement was part of Turkey’s broader strategy to modernize its air force, especially after its exclusion from the F-35 program in 2019 due to the purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems.
The German veto not only stalls Turkey’s plans to enhance its aerial capabilities but also highlights the challenges Ankara faces in balancing its defense needs with its geopolitical relationships. As Germany prepares for a potential change in leadership, with Christian Democrat Friedrich Merz expected to form the next coalition government, the future of defense agreements with Turkey remains uncertain.
In the meantime, Turkey continues to explore alternative avenues to bolster its defense capabilities, including the development of its indigenous fifth-generation fighter, the KAAN, by Turkish Aerospace Industries.
A controversial procurement
The potential Typhoon order by Turkey has also ignited significant concern in Greece, particularly due to the associated potential sale of Meteor air-to-air missiles.
The Meteor missile, developed by the European MBDA consortium, is among the most advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles available. Turkey’s intention to equip the Eurofighter Typhoons with these missiles has been met with strong opposition from Greece. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has reiterated concerns that such a sale could destabilize the regional balance of power. Athens argues that the deal violates a 2021 Franco-Greek defense pact requiring security consultations.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has raised the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron, seeking to block the deal. However, Macron has indicated that preventing the transaction is not feasible due to the multinational nature of the missile’s production.
