Germany is pushing for written guarantees from Turkey to prevent the misuse of Eurofighter Typhoon jets in violating Greek airspace. The $5.6 billion deal for up to 40 fighter jets includes conditions that Turkish military equipment, like tanks, will not be used for external aggression.
This demand reflects broader concerns about Turkey’s military activities, particularly in the Aegean, where tensions with Greece over airspace have escalated. The sale is crucial for Turkey’s air force modernization and Germany’s diplomatic balancing in the region. Turkish officials, however, reject any formal conditions tied to the deal.
Turkey seeks to upgrade its fleet by adding Typhoons alongside new F-16 Vipers and indigenous fighters. Delays in the F-16 deal with the US may see resumption post-elections. Germany’s demands could stall or jeopardize the sale, as Ankara views them as bureaucratic hurdles.
The Greece-Turkey airspace dispute influences the negotiations, with Greece fearing advanced jets could worsen territorial conflicts. Germany’s focus on airspace guarantees may offer Greece diplomatic relief but complicates ties with Turkey and shifts regional power dynamics.