Two RAF Eurofighter Typhoon jets have landed at Ankara’s Mürted Air Base Command after returning from the Ferocious Falcon V exercise in Qatar.
The Ministry of Defence issued the following statement:
“Two UK Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, which took part in an exercise in Qatar, landed at our Mürted Air Base Command in Ankara on their way back. The aircraft were welcomed by Maria Eagle, UK Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry, General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, Commander of the Air Force, Şuay Alpay, Deputy Minister of Defence, and our military personnel”.
The landing was accompanied by two Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets. Following the landing, the Eurofighter Typhoons will undergo a detailed inspection by the Turkish authorities.
Defence Minister Yaşar Güler said in a recent meeting with media representatives: “The Eurofighter negotiations are progressing positively. Two Eurofighter aircraft from the United Kingdom, which took part in the Qatar exercises, will arrive in Ankara on 18 December, which will give us the opportunity to closely observe these aircraft”.
Minister Güler also announced plans to buy 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to boost Turkey’s air defence capabilities. He noted that Germany was initially reluctant, but eventually agreed to the sale with the support of NATO allies.
The UK, Spain and Italy had already approved the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey. More recently, Germany agreed to the appointment of the Temporary Sales Authority, which has accelerated the procurement process. Technical studies for the procurement of the Eurofighter Typhoon – considered as an alternative to meet the operational requirements of the Turkish Air Force Command – are ongoing.
