Germany Blocks Eurofighter Jet Sales to Turkey Citing Imamoğlu’s Arrest

The German government has decided not to authorize the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Türkiye, citing concerns over the country’s deteriorating democratic standards, particularly following the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor and presidential hopeful Ekrem İmamoğlu.

According to a report by German financial daily Handelsblatt, the decision marks a significant shift in Berlin’s stance, as prior negotiations with Ankara had been progressing positively.

Sales Were Advancing Before Imamoğlu’s Arrest

Türkiye had turned its attention to the Eurofighter Typhoon program, a joint project between Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain, after uncertainty clouded its F-16 purchase from the US. While London and Madrid had shown a favorable attitude toward the sale, Berlin was initially cautious.

However, following diplomatic engagements between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Germany was reportedly warming up to the deal. Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler even publicly confirmed late last year that Germany had agreed to the sale.

That momentum was abruptly halted after Imamoğlu’s recent detention and arrest. The Handelsblatt report states that the German government viewed the incident as “an attack on Turkish democracy,” prompting them to block the sale. Berlin concluded that proceeding with a weapons export under such conditions would be “politically and morally unacceptable.”

Jet Sale Block Reflects Deepening Trust Issues

Defense experts in Germany voiced concerns that years of diplomatic groundwork have unraveled, attributing the reversal to a loss of confidence in Türkiye’s governance. The decision not only suspends a major defense acquisition but also signals growing friction in Ankara-Berlin relations.

What Was Türkiye’s Eurofighter Plan?

The Eurofighter option emerged after Türkiye’s removal from the F-35 program and ongoing delays in acquiring new-generation fighters. Ankara sought to procure 40 Eurofighter Typhoons to bridge the capability gap until its indigenous fighter jet KAAN becomes operational.

The plan was central to the modernization of the Turkish Air Force, but Germany’s veto has cast serious doubt on the purchase.