Typhoon Takes Centre Stage as Türkiye Advances Fighter Acquisition

Our Bureau - : May 1, 2026 - : 4:47 am

The Eurofighter Typhoon is being showcased at SAHA 2026 against the backdrop of Turkiye’s confirmed acquisition of the aircraft, with industry partners highlighting both the platform’s capabilities and the programme’s delivery roadmap.

Visitors to the Eurofighter stand are being offered an up-close look at the aircraft through a full-scale replica and a high-fidelity simulator, providing insight into its operational performance, avionics and mission systems. The display is aimed at engaging delegations and stakeholders as Turkiye prepares to induct the aircraft into service.

Türkiye formally joined the Eurofighter programme in October 2025 with an order for 20 aircraft, marking its entry as the tenth operator of the platform and a partner within the wider Eurofighter community. The agreement includes provisions for additional aircraft beyond the initial batch, giving Ankara flexibility to expand its fleet as requirements evolve. The programme also strengthens Türkiye's role within a European combat air framework that includes the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Eurofighter has described the development as a significant step in expanding the programme’s operational footprint, with Türkiye expected to play a role in reinforcing security along NATO’s southern and Black Sea regions.

First Deliveries Expected from 2030

Manufacturing of the aircraft for Türkiye is already underway across the Eurofighter partner nations, with final assembly of Turkish aircraft taking place in the United Kingdom.
According to programme details, the first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2030, marking the beginning of Türkiye's transition to the Typhoon platform. The production effort spans multiple countries, reflecting the collaborative structure of the Eurofighter programme, with different components manufactured across the partner nations before final assembly.

BAE Systems to Deliver Training, Support and EW Capability

Alongside the aircraft acquisition, BAE Systems has secured a contract to provide training and support services for Türkiye's Typhoon fleet.

Under the agreement, BAE Systems will supply spares, support equipment, pilot and engineer training, as well as high-fidelity simulators and electronic warfare capabilities. The company will also deliver technical support services for an initial three-year period from the aircraft’s entry into service. The support package is designed to enable the Turkish Air Force to build operational readiness while developing sovereign sustainment capability over time.

In parallel, the Royal Air Force is expected to train Turkish instructor pilots and maintenance personnel, supporting the transition to independent operation of the aircraft.

At SAHA, the Typhoon is being positioned as a mature multi-role platform capable of performing air superiority, strike and reconnaissance missions. Developed by a European consortium, the aircraft has undergone continuous upgrades to enhance radar performance, weapons integration and survivability. Its operational use across multiple air forces has established it as a core element of European air power, with deployments spanning NATO air policing, quick reaction alert duties and expeditionary operations.
The simulator demonstrations at the show are expected to focus on these mission profiles, providing a practical view of how the aircraft performs in contemporary operational scenarios.

Broader Defence Cooperation and NATO Alignment

The Typhoon acquisition is also being viewed in the context of broader defence cooperation between Türkiye and its European partners, particularly within NATO.
Officials have pointed to the programme’s role in strengthening interoperability and enhancing collective deterrence in a strategically important region. The agreement also reflects growing industrial and operational links between Türkiye and the Eurofighter partner nations.