While there were positive developments regarding the 40 Eurofighter warplanes that Turkey wanted from Germany, a new formula for the F-16 to be purchased from the USA also came to the fore.
The official visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Ankara, Istanbul and Gaziantep has ended. Details about President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s meeting with the guest leader have also emerged.
One of the notable topics of the meeting was the Eurofighter warplanes that Turkey requested from Germany. So, how does Germany view Turkey’s request, and what is the latest situation in the F-16 negotiations with the USA? CNN Turk Correspondent Arda Erdoğan conveyed the details.
IMPORTANT JUNCTION IN Türkiye-GERMANY RELATIONS
Arda Erdoğan’s statements are as follows:
Security sources in Ankara state that the talks regarding Eurofighter warplanes are likely to result positively. The Erdoğan-Steinmeier meeting was an important junction in this process. The two leaders underlined defense industry investments.
GERMANY IS APPROACHING POSITIVELY
Türkiye had recently taken the initiative to procure 40 Eurofighter warplanes from Germany. Eurofighters are managed by a consortium including Spain and England. England and Spain approached the process positively. All eyes were on Germany. However, there was no clear answer from Germany. It is possible to state that this issue was brought to the agenda at the meeting held yesterday.
NEW INFORMATIONS
We have new information obtained. Security sources state that Germany’s approach has begun to turn positive. Sources state that the initiative may have positive results, but this is a process. In his statement yesterday, Erdoğan signaled that relations with Germany could be aimed at joint production rather than restrictions. In this context, it is also stated that progress will be made.
NEW FORMULA FOR F-16s
Let us also draw attention to the current situation regarding Turkey’s F-16 procurement. The process was completed in the US Congress, and the legal proposal and acceptance letters reached Turkey. Negotiations will take place in May, and the agreement is expected to be signed in June. When the final agreement is reached, the cost will be revealed and the delivery process will begin. F-16s are expected to be delivered to Turkey in a short time.
There is a formula on the table for this. Production in Turkey was brought to the agenda. It is stated that the US side also favors this formula. If the process is accepted, F-16s will be produced by TAI at the 1st Air Main Maintenance Factory in Eskişehir. F-16s are expected to enter the inventory in 2028-2029.
