Germany lifted the ban: Turkey is now allowed to buy Eurofighter Typhoon fighters

 

Eurofighter Typhoon

The long-awaited "good" has finally been received. Germany has officially lifted its veto on the sale of modern Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey, a move that has long blocked the deal. Now the way for supplies is open, and Ankara can begin negotiations on the purchase of up to 40 aircraft.

Turkey used to be completely isolated on this issue. Despite the fact that the Eurofighter is produced by a consortium of four countries — Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain — the sale to each new buyer requires the consent of all participants. And Berlin has been the "brake" in recent years: due to disagreements with Ankara on a number of issues, including military operations in Syria, purchases of Russian weapons (like the S-400) and domestic policy, the Germans did not give the green light.

Now the position has changed. Most likely, this is due to common interests within NATO: Turkey is a key player on the southern flank of the alliance, and its strengthening with modern Western fighters (instead of Russian or Chinese analogues) is beneficial to everyone. Plus, there is pressure from other partners, especially the UK and Italy, who have been waiting for a lucrative contract for a long time.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is one of Europe's most advanced combat aircraft: super—maneuverable, with powerful radar and the ability to carry a wide range of weapons. This is a chance for Turkey to upgrade its aging F-16 fleet and strengthen its air defenses, especially amid tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

So now that Germany has agreed, the deal can be finalized in the coming months. Turkey will receive a powerful strike resource, and Europe will be confident that one of its key allies remains on "our side" technologically.

Israel destroys an airstrip in Syria: a step against Turkish influence

Places of destruction after Israeli strikes

Tensions between Israel and Turkey have reached a new high amid the events in Syria. The Israeli military has taken an unexpected step by destroying the runway of the T4 strategic airfield in central Syria. This airfield, which has long remained a key target for various parties to the conflict, could become an object of interest to Turkey. The destruction of the infrastructure was a demonstrative signal to Ankara that Jerusalem intends to maintain control over the situation in the region.

The T4 airfield is important both for military operations in Syria and for providing access to the country's airspace. Israel is particularly concerned that the expansion of Turkish influence in the region may limit its ability to conduct operations at its discretion. For Israel, control of Syrian airspace remains part of its security strategy related to countering Iran and its allies.

Turkey, in turn, is actively promoting its interests in Syria, seeking to strengthen the positions of its allies and expand its zone of influence. The potential seizure of the T4 airfield could be an important step for Ankara, which probably prompted Israel to take decisive action. The destruction of the runway effectively deprives Turkey of the opportunity to use this facility in the near future.

Experts point out that the growing tensions between Israel and Turkey may lead to new conflicts of interests in the region. Although official comments from Ankara remain restrained so far, it is obvious that the situation requires careful monitoring. 

Turkish-made Altay Main Battle Tank to Enter Service in 2025, Defense Official Says

 The Altay main battle tank of domestic production will enter service with the Turkish army in 2025, Haluk Gergun, head of the Defense Industry Directorate (SSB), said on Monday during a visit to the BMC manufacturing plant in Ankara.

Noting that the company in the Kahramankazan area will carry out both the production of armored vehicles and the production of engines and power transmissions necessary for armored vehicles, Gergun noted that construction work continues at a rapid pace.

 The Altay main battle tank

Turkish aircraft carrier of the future: KAAN deck as a symbol of technological independence

The plan to create a fifth-generation KAAN stealth fighter for the future aircraft carrier MUGEM

Turkey is entering a new era of its naval construction by announcing plans to create a carrier-based version of the fifth-generation KAAN stealth fighter for the future MUGEM aircraft carrier. This ambitious project is becoming an important stage in the formation of a full-fledged aircraft carrier potential of the country and a demonstration of the desire for technological independence.

Transferring KAAN to deck service is not an easy task. The fifth-generation fighter, being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), must undergo significant changes to meet the requirements of aircraft carrier operations. This includes strengthening the landing gear structure to withstand impacts during landing, installing aerodynamic devices to improve low-speed handling, and modifying the engine to operate in marine conditions.

Special attention is paid to the ejection system and arrest landing, which differ significantly from ground procedures. These technologies require close cooperation between the Turkish Navy Design Bureau and TAI, as well as the possible involvement of foreign experts with experience in the field of aircraft carrier aviation.

The creation of its own aircraft carrier complex is of strategic importance for Ankara. The aircraft carrier MUGEM will become a symbol of naval power projection — the ability to project power beyond national waters. At the same time, the use of the indigenous product, the KAAN deck, will emphasize the technological maturity of the Turkish defense industry.

The project has several key objectives:

1. Ensuring independence from foreign suppliers of aviation equipment

2. Development of a high-tech domestic production base

3. Creation of a modern instrument to protect the country's maritime interests

4. Strengthening Turkey's role as a regional maritime power

However, the path to realizing this vision will be difficult. The need to master new technologies, create the appropriate infrastructure and train personnel will require significant investments and time. But if the project can be implemented, it will be a real breakthrough in the development of the Turkish armed forces.

Interestingly, the creation of the deck KAAN is taking place against the background of the general trend of global militarization of maritime zones. In this way, Turkey demonstrates its willingness to adapt to changing security conditions and assert its rights in key regions such as the Mediterranean and the Black Seas.

This step also shows how developing countries are increasingly striving to create their own advanced military technologies, abandoning dependence on traditional arms manufacturers. The KAAN project for MUGEM can be an example of a successful import substitution policy in the defense sector.

In the meantime, we are witnessing the beginning of a long-term process that can determine the future of Turkish naval power and the country's place in the global security system. The creation of the KAAN deck will be an important step along this path, demonstrating Ankara's ability to solve the most complex technical tasks in order to achieve strategic goals.