To address the interim fighter jet requirement of the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) until the first squadron of the indigenously developed KAAN National Combat Aircraft becomes fully operational in the mid-2030s, the Turkish Ministry of National Defence (MoND) has initiated three parallel procurement programs. These include acquisitions of 40 F-16 Block 70s, 40 Eurofighter Typhoons, and 40 F-35A Lightning IIs. These efforts aim to bolster TurAF’s operational capabilities and enhance its air superiority, particularly in response to the Greek Air Force’s procurement of Dassault Rafale F3Rs and F-35As, which will allow Greek Air Force to maintain a technological edge over TurAF.

A major milestone in the procurement process occurred on July 23 during IDEF 2025, the 17th International Defence Industry Fair held in Istanbul, when Turkish Minister of National Defence Yaşar GÜLER and UK Secretary of State for Defence John HEALEY signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement marks a critical step forward in enabling Türkiye’s potential acquisition of the Eurofighter Typhoon.