Germany Approves Export of Eurofighter Jets to Turkey

The German government has officially approved the export of up to 40 Eurofighter combat jets to Turkey. This decision follows a positive assessment of an industrial request, as confirmed by government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius on Wednesday. The approval clears the way for Turkey to proceed with an order for the aircraft.

This agreement comes after Turkey and the United Kingdom, which is involved in the construction of the jets, signed a letter of intent regarding the deal. The request from Turkey was initially submitted in March 2023, but negotiations had stalled due to Germany's prior refusal to grant approval, given its participation in the European consortium responsible for the jets' production, which also includes Italy and Spain.

In a move that aligns with the requests from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the German coalition government aims to bolster NATO's deterrence capabilities and secure approximately 20,000 jobs within the defense sector through this export.

Both Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis have been informed of the German government's decision. Despite being NATO allies, Turkey and Greece have experienced ongoing tensions due to competing territorial claims.

As part of the approval process, Turkey has committed to utilizing the aircraft solely within the framework of NATO solidarity, ensuring they will not be deployed against other member states. Furthermore, the planned approval was discussed in advance with Greece's Prime Minister Mitsotakis, especially considering Greece's recent acquisition of 24 Rafale combat jets from France.

Germany's arms exports to Turkey have been contentious, primarily due to concerns over human rights violations in Turkey and the government's international actions. Following Turkey's military incursion into Syria in 2016, Germany significantly reduced its arms export licenses. However, these licenses have seen a resurgence under the current coalition government, with the German Ministry of Economic Affairs reporting in late September 2024 that approvals for torpedoes, guided missiles, and submarine components for Turkey had increased.

In recent years, Turkey has faced a wave of arrests, leading to overcrowded prisons, and widespread concerns regarding safety and personal freedoms. Reports indicate that many citizens feel increasingly insecure within the country.