Will Germany approve Turkey? Eurofighter statement from sources in Ankara

European Union files stand out on the agenda of the meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

CEREMONY IN ANKARA

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier meets with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara today, on the last day of his visit to Turkey for the 100th anniversary of the Turkey-Germany Friendship Treaty signed in 1924. President Erdoğan welcomed his guest counterpart with a ceremony at the Presidential Complex.

CRITICAL AGENDA

The agenda of the meeting will also include relations between the two countries and Turkey’s issues related to the European Union (EU). It is stated that Ankara will convey its six expectations from Germany, which is the most powerful country in the EU and is more prominent than France in terms of leadership within the Union, under two headings. As a matter of fact, the officials said, “We expect Germany to play a constructive role that can meet our expectations in the processes of our full membership to the EU, the updating of the Customs Union and the granting of visa liberalization to Turkish citizens.”

WILL GERMANY APPROVE EUROFIGHTER?

One of the topics of the meeting is the Eurofighter planes requested by Turkey. So, after England and Spain, will Germany give Eurofighter warplanes to Turkey? CNN TÜRK Ankara Representative Dicle Canova shared the latest backstage information;

Germany and Turkey actually have a very comprehensive process ahead of them. Immigration policy, trade, racist and anti-Islamic attacks, some of the flexibility given to PKK supporters in Germany, most recently they attacked the consulate building in Hannover. Apart from that, Israel’s attacks on Gaza, despite everything Germany supports Israel. Many critical topics such as Russia and Ukraine will be discussed.

But among those critical topics are the Eurofighter warplanes requested by Turkey. This is one of the most important issues.

Türkiye has been continuing its efforts for a while to purchase 40 aircraft. There is a consortium. This consortium consists of England, Spain and Germany. While England and Spain say ‘yes’, Germany has reservations and objections. Therefore, Germany needs to be convinced.

In fact, this consortium went through a similar process with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia also had a request for 48 Eurofighters. While England and Spain said ‘yes’, Germany rejected. However, due to both the pressures of England and Spain and the reactions from Germany’s own defense and aviation sectors, the German government eventually lifted this embargo and took a step back.

There have been contacts regarding Turkey’s request for a while. Ankara continues its diplomatic efforts to abandon the restrictions on Türkiye, especially as a NATO country. And of course, the conjectural process is also very important. Why is it important? There are factors that bind two countries together or force them to cooperate with each other. One of them is immigration policy. The other is a trading partnership. Germany’s need for a balance policy on Türkiye in the global power war, etc.

MAY COME TO TURKEY BEFORE F-16s

Therefore, it is said that Germany’s approach has now started to turn positive. In fact, as of today, sources in Ankara are using the expression ‘It will most likely happen’ for the Eurofighter purchase. But this process will take time, it seems. Even if the German President says ‘yes’ today, there will be a bureaucratic process. It’s not very easy. Therefore, although it is not easy to convince Germany to buy Eurofighter from today to tomorrow, sources say; In any case, if Germany gives approval, Eurofighters may come to Turkey before F-16s. If approval is granted before 2028 or 2029, Türkiye will have purchased Eurofighter.

WILL THERE BE AN ADAPTATION PROCESS TO EUROFIGHTER IN THE AIR FORCE?

I got the answer: ‘It is very easy to adapt.’ In fact, sources also provide information that the planes can be put into use within 2 years after their arrival. This is the perspective on the offer letter regarding the F-16s that is currently being examined and scrutinized.

AT WHAT STAGE IS THE F-16 PROCESS WITH THE USA?

Acceptance and offer letters arrived from the USA at the end of February. Negotiations were held between the two sides in March. The parties worked on the proposal throughout April and continue to do so.