TR Air-Force EF Typhoon

[IC3M@N FX]

A large-scale procurement of more than 60 Eurofighters would be a strategic dead end. The goal must be interoperability and operational sovereignty – not the transition from one dependency to the next.
Together with the F-15EX, the Eurofighter is one of the most powerful 4.5+ generation fighter aircraft. As a customer, Turkey is expected to receive extensive rights of use, including the adaptation of own IFF, EW/ECM, electronic combat libraries, radar and threat profiles, and the integration of its own ammunition. This would give it a high degree of operational control over the weapon system.
However, the structural problem begins in areas beyond normal MRO contracts: spare parts, replacement engines and consortium-bound supply chains. In these areas, Turkey remains dependent on the Eurofighter consortium, especially on countries such as Germany. This dependence once again opens up opportunities for political blockades and delays by actors such as Greece, Cyprus or, indirectly, Israel.
It is also questionable whether the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain would continue to show the same political and diplomatic commitment after a sale has been completed as they did during the contract phase. Experience shows that once the sale is complete, there is less incentive to exert sustained political pressure within the consortium in favour of the customer. The customer is then bound and must accept existing restrictions.
For this reason, the Eurofighter should remain only a limited transitional solution for Turkey – not the new structural backbone of the air force.

Backbone until 2035+

Early IOC
TAI KAAN
Early MUM-T:
Kizilelma (Single Jet), Anka 3, Super Simsek

Main System Air Superiority:
F-16 Özgür II
Eurofighter T (Turkish Modified).

TB2/TB3, Akinci, Anka S


Backbone from 2035+

Main System Air Superiority:
TAI KAAN
MUM-T:
Kizilelma (Twinjet Version), Anka 3/4, Super Simsek

Workhorse:
HÜRJET next Blocks
Kizilelma (Twinjet Version)
Anka 3/4
Akinci next Blocks

TB2/TB3 and TB Next (Turbofan Version?)

will take over the tasks of the F-16/Eurofighter as workhorses in distributed across the platforms.

The F-16 Özgür II fleet would be gradually reduced to around 100+ aircraft remaining in service. In combination with drone systems, this strength would be sufficient to ensure homeland security in northern and eastern Turkey against potential threats from Russia, Iran and other regional actors.
In the west and south of the country, however, TAI KAAN and Hürjet, together with unmanned systems, would bear the brunt of deterrence and operational capability against Greece, Cyprus and Israel.
In this concept, the Eurofighter would serve as a second manned platform for redundancy and system diversification. A fleet of around 60 aircraft would be sufficient to maintain credible deterrence capability without creating new structural dependencies on a larger scale.

 

[Sanchez]

Can we benefit from this AMK

https://www.eurofighter.com/news/eurofighter-and-netma-sign-contract-to-progress-aerodynamic-modification-kit-amk

Possibly, but Germany is set to be the only user for it for now. And it really is a show of what German led development can be like. Testing phase for this program was finalized 10 years ago. Signed today.

 

[mehmed beg]

Something akin to Super Standard is the only logical thing to do if someone expects plane to be viable at least 20 to 25 years.
I don't think that this particular endeavour will be particularly useful .
For the real enhancement, they need some sort of consensus between OEM nations. First thing is improvement of the engine characteristics and adding Trust Vectoring. Adding new APU and extending the airframe. Then some aerodynamic improvement can be really maximised for another 20 25 years and possibly more of service.
Too many factors are involved and by the way, I wouldn't trust German technical abilities anyway.

 

[Sanchez]

they need some sort of consensus between OEM nations

They didn't have a consensus since 1986.

First thing is improvement of the engine characteristics and adding Trust Vectoring. Adding new APU and extending the airframe. Then some aerodynamic improvement can be really maximised for another 20 25 years and possibly more of service.

These are major works worth tens of billions; basically a new plane like the Super Hornet, there's no possible political capital to go forward with any of these. They barely keep the lights on. Final British Typhoon was delivered to RAF in 2019 for example. Consortium members only have 127 aircraft on order; that's possibly it.

 

[Yasar_TR]

Türkiye Has Secured 44 Eurofighters, Final 12 Still in Play | TURDEF

As Eurofighter negotiations with Qatar advance, Oman remains engaged, preserving the possibility of expanding Türkiye’s fleet to between 44 and 56 aircraft.

turdef.com

According to this latest news, purchase of the 44 aircrafts are secured.
20 new production.
12 Qatari
12 more (possibly Qatari. But not declared)

Omani authorities have come along the lines of Turkish line of thoughts and requests. So 12 Omani typhoons are also in play now. (Omanis we’re probably asking for too much money. These planes need extensive costly upgrades. Turkey don’t want these if their final cost is more than the Qatari ones)

Hence there could be a package of 56 Typhoons altogether. (Not taking in to account the further 20 new production on option)

 

[Pete Mitchell Maverick]

Türkiye Has Secured 44 Eurofighters, Final 12 Still in Play | TURDEF

As Eurofighter negotiations with Qatar advance, Oman remains engaged, preserving the possibility of expanding Türkiye’s fleet to between 44 and 56 aircraft.

turdef.com

According to this latest news, purchase of the 44 aircrafts are secured.
20 new production.
12 Qatari
12 more (possibly Qatari. But not declared)

Omani authorities have come along the lines of Turkish line of thoughts and requests. So 12 Omani typhoons are also in play now. (Omanis we’re probably asking for too much money. These planes need extensive costly upgrades. Turkey don’t want these if their final cost is more than the Qatari ones)

Hence there could be a package of 56 Typhoons altogether. (Not taking in to account the further 20 new production on option)

The 20 optional Typhoon aircraft should definitely be purchased. With this package, a total of 76 Typhoons will significantly strengthen the Turkish Air Force.

 

[Yasar_TR]

The 20 optional Typhoon aircraft should definitely be purchased. With this package, a total of 76 Typhoons will significantly strengthen the Turkish Air Force.

I think that option is there if the Kaan is delayed in its operational readiness and not able to join the fleet in reasonable numbers in time.
Otherwise If Kaan is ready in good numbers, even with f110 engines it should be a better plane than Typhoon.

 

[mehmed beg]

I am not sure about 76 but 56 would be fantastic.
F4s are dead, so 19 planes need immediate replacement. Those F16 bloc 30 , what the amount of the flying hours they will incur by 2030? Most probably, about 50 F16 air frames will be at the end of their life in 5 to 6 years. F16 as plane run its course, anyway. In any case, the maintenance costs will increase as time goes by.

 

[Sanchez]

Türkiye Has Secured 44 Eurofighters, Final 12 Still in Play | TURDEF

As Eurofighter negotiations with Qatar advance, Oman remains engaged, preserving the possibility of expanding Türkiye’s fleet to between 44 and 56 aircraft.

turdef.com

According to this latest news, purchase of the 44 aircrafts are secured.
20 new production.
12 Qatari
12 more (possibly Qatari. But not declared)

Omani authorities have come along the lines of Turkish line of thoughts and requests. So 12 Omani typhoons are also in play now. (Omanis we’re probably asking for too much money. These planes need extensive costly upgrades. Turkey don’t want these if their final cost is more than the Qatari ones)

Hence there could be a package of 56 Typhoons altogether. (Not taking in to account the further 20 new production on option)

And now the new claim is that new number will be 56. All 24 Qatari ones to be received "within a year".
20 new builds, 24 Qatari, 12 Omani.
Omani ones to be modernized and delivered from 2028. Same piece also claims first new builds will be delivered from 2028; but Güler in december had said first 6 would arrive in 2030. No clarity there. Surprisingly Milliyet piece directly calls the new aircraft "Tranche 4"; something we didn't see addressed before. 2028 delivery would mean Mk1 radars; 2030 could mean Mk2.

Eurofighter Typhoon’da plan değişti

Hava Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı, ilk Eurofighter Typhoon filosunun kurulması ile personelin eğitim planını revize etti.

www.milliyet.com.tr

Per this week's weekly briefing, TurAF crews will go to UK for 3 days for training.
"As part of the Eurofighter Typhoon procurement project, a study visit will be conducted to Coningsby (Koningzbi) Air Base Command in the United Kingdom between February 24-27 for the initial training of flight and ground personnel."

https://www.msb.gov.tr/SlaytHaber/0218d9237c924bc28ae3a7fbb7b1ac64

February was lauded as the month first Qatari ones would arrive, but nothing so far. Doubt we will see anything this week. But at least the BAE EF line is secure!

BAE says its Eurofighter pipeline is filled until first GCAP assembly

Europe accounted for 32% of the BAE order book at the end of December, while accounting for 11% of sales in 2025, the company said.

www.defensenews.com

 

[boredaf]

And now the new claim is that new number will be 56. All 24 Qatari ones to be received "within a year".
20 new builds, 24 Qatari, 12 Omani.

I really don't understand why we are constantly fiddling with the numbers just wrap all of them up and get them all, neither country is properly using their EFs in any case. Send the ones that need upgrades to UK, bring the others home. I really wish we stopped fucking around with this and in general.

 

[Sanchez]

I really don't understand why we are constantly fiddling with the numbers just wrap all of them up and get them all, neither country is properly using their EFs in any case. Send the ones that need upgrades to UK, bring the others home. I really wish we stopped fucking around with this and in general.

Their heels are burning because world is burning and they need jets yesterday. I think they are reaching at any possible straw they can find now that they have political backing from the gov and the political acceptance from the consortium for the buy

Either MoD is basically planning this on the fly, or there's more that we don't know.

 

[Sanchez]

National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and United Kingdom Defense Minister John Healey met in London.
Following the meetings, a technical and logistical support contract for the maintenance and operation of aircraft within the scope of the Eurofighter Typhoon Project was signed by both Ministers.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2036761622375448824

Deal being signed between two MoDs increases the likelihood that there will be a joint training squadron. No details on the deal exist yet.

 

[Sanchez]

No details on the deal exist yet

"Under the contract, BAE Systems will deliver spares and support equipment, associated engineer and pilot training, high-fidelity training simulators and electronic warfare capabilities. In addition, BAE Systems will provide technical support services for an initial three-year term from entry into service of the aircraft.
The contract will support the Turkish Armed Forces to deliver operational readiness and effectiveness and progressively increase the nation’s sovereign support capability.
This follows the agreement, announced in October, between the UK and Turkish governments for the purchase of 20 Typhoon aircraft, which underscores the critical role Typhoon plays in the security and defence of Europe and the Middle East.

Manufacturing of the new aircraft for Türkiye is already underway in the UK and across the Eurofighter partner nations, with the first aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2030.

Under separate agreements with the UK Government, the Royal Air Force will train 10 Turkish instructor pilots and nearly 100 maintenance trainers, ensuring the Turkish Air Force can independently deliver training and support to future pilots and ground crew, further strengthening the relationship between the two nations.

https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/turkiye-typhoon-support-and-training-contract

 

[Sanchez]

"Under the contract, BAE Systems will deliver spares and support equipment, associated engineer and pilot training, high-fidelity training simulators and electronic warfare capabilities. In addition, BAE Systems will provide technical support services for an initial three-year term from entry into service of the aircraft.
The contract will support the Turkish Armed Forces to deliver operational readiness and effectiveness and progressively increase the nation’s sovereign support capability.
This follows the agreement, announced in October, between the UK and Turkish governments for the purchase of 20 Typhoon aircraft, which underscores the critical role Typhoon plays in the security and defence of Europe and the Middle East.

Manufacturing of the new aircraft for Türkiye is already underway in the UK and across the Eurofighter partner nations, with the first aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2030.

Under separate agreements with the UK Government, the Royal Air Force will train 10 Turkish instructor pilots and nearly 100 maintenance trainers, ensuring the Turkish Air Force can independently deliver training and support to future pilots and ground crew, further strengthening the relationship between the two nations.

https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/turkiye-typhoon-support-and-training-contract

As noted previously, at least first of the new builds are expected to arrive without LTE and with Mk0 radars; it may change for later airframes. They can be dubbed Trance 4+.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2036817840272019847

 

[Afif]

As noted previously, at least first of the new builds are expected to arrive without LTE and with Mk0 radars; it may change for later airframes. They can be dubbed Trance 4+.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2036817840272019847

Why MK0 though? Serially produced MK1 radar was delivered for Spanish and German jets afaik. Can't it he chosen for Turkish jets.

 

[Gaucho]

Eurofighter T4

 

[Yasar_TR]

Why MK0 though? Serially produced MK1 radar was delivered for Spanish and German jets afaik. Can't it he chosen for Turkish jets.

MK1 radar is produced by Hensoldt. It is tecnologically behind the LeonardoUK produced MK2 version. Especially on EW.

Typhoons that have MK0 can be retrofitted with MK2 fairly quickly.
It would be a different story for the MK1.

Upgrading from ECRS Mk0 to ECRS Mk2 is generally considered more straightforward than upgrading from ECRS Mk1, primarily because the Mk0 serves as the direct baseline "core product" developed by Leonardo UK. Mk0 provides a more "plug-and-play" foundation for future Leonardo-driven upgrades. Upgrading from Mk1 to Mk2 would involve replacing a specialized, "new" system rather than just adding capabilities to a standard foundation.

So it is more prudent and logical to go for MK0 than MK1 if you are aiming for the best in later stages.

 

[IC3M@N FX]

I would consistently limit the proportion of German hardware in the Eurofighter Typhoon to a minimum. Whilst it cannot be avoided entirely, any additional integration unnecessarily strengthens German influence over maintenance, software, approvals and future upgrades. The aim must be to keep this influence as low as possible.
Furthermore, we should no longer offer Germany any further grounds for criticism and blockades in future. For years now, the country has ceased to act as a strategically independent player, but is visibly under the influence of external interests – particularly from the US, Israel, Greece and France. A consistent, sovereign foreign policy is barely discernible any longer.
At the same time, the stance towards Turkey is clearly limited: economic cooperation, yes, but no genuine partnership on equal terms. It is precisely this line that should be reflected – functional relations as customer and supplier, but no deepening dependencies or strategic interdependencies.
From personal experience, it can be said that Turkey’s technological development is being closely monitored in Germany – and it is creating tangible pressure and envy. The fact that this progress is taking place without German involvement strikes a raw nerve. The reasons for this are well known, but are rarely stated openly. Instead, Turkey is portrayed across the board in Germany as ‘unreliable’ – a narrative that is politically convenient but obscures the actual background. There are good reasons why Turkey get partnerships in the fields of drones, fighter jets and technology are offered and maintained with all Eurofighter Consortium partners such as the UK, Italy and Spain. But in the other hand, deliberately excludes Germany from the equation. We do not support obstructionists, and that is that!

 

[Sanchez]

MK1 radar is produced by Hensoldt. It is tecnologically behind the LeonardoUK produced MK2 version. Especially on EW.

Typhoons that have MK0 can be retrofitted with MK2 fairly quickly.
It would be a different story for the MK1.

Upgrading from ECRS Mk0 to ECRS Mk2 is generally considered more straightforward than upgrading from ECRS Mk1, primarily because the Mk0 serves as the direct baseline "core product" developed by Leonardo UK. Mk0 provides a more "plug-and-play" foundation for future Leonardo-driven upgrades. Upgrading from Mk1 to Mk2 would involve replacing a specialized, "new" system rather than just adding capabilities to a standard foundation.

So it is more prudent and logical to go for MK0 than MK1 if you are aiming for the best in later stages.

To add to this, with hopefully soon to arrive second hard birds with Mk0 and Captor-M; we would have commonality and easier path of later retrofitting them.

 

[Yasar_TR]

How The Eurofighter Typhoon's AESA Radar Compares To The F-35's AN/APG-81

The Eurofighter Typhoon's CAPTOR-E radar and the F-35's AN/APG-81 represent two different visions of air power, each with its own nuances.

simpleflying.com

An interesting and useful article outlining how good ECRSS-MK2 Aesa radar is. It actually gives the Typhoon a new lease of life in aerial combat.
Even though F35’s Aesa radar is designed with a sensor fusion architecture, when it comes to raw aerial combat the ECRS-MK2 radar excels in that and in EW capability. To upgrade all our Typhoons to that level, it seems is a necessity.

NB Although the article has been very conservative on T/R module numbers of Typhoon, it is suggested in the defence media that it has 1500+ modules. But exact numbers are classified.

However, as can be seen that ECRSMK1 has 1400T/R modules. And the MK2 were supposed to have great deal more.

ECRS Mk1 - Radartutorial

www.radartutorial.eu