Türkiye will acquire 24 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from Qatar and Oman as an interim solution while awaiting deliveries of newly manufactured aircraft from the United Kingdom, the Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, ministry sources said the move aims to prevent any temporary capability gaps within the Turkish Air Force and ensure the continuity of operational readiness during the procurement process.
According to the ministry, 12 aircraft will be sourced from Qatar following the signing of a formal contract. Another 12 aircraft from Oman are expected to enter service after completing planned modernization and upgrade activities.
The interim procurement plan was previously outlined by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a recent signing ceremony, officials added.
US Remarks on S-400 and F-35 Programs
The briefing also addressed recent comments by US Ambassador Tom Barrack regarding Turkey’s defense programs.
Ministry sources said there have been no new developments concerning the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, which has recently returned to public debate. Turkey’s efforts to strengthen its air defense capabilities through domestically developed and nationally produced systems are continuing as planned.
Officials confirmed that diplomatic contacts with Washington regarding Turkey’s status in the F-35 fighter jet program remain ongoing. Ankara maintains that sustained dialogue and constructive consultations on lifting sanctions and facilitating a potential return to the program could contribute positively to bilateral relations.
