The proposed sale of 20 Eurofighter jets to Turkey by a multinational consortium (the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain) is currently mired in a diplomatic conflict over potential usage restrictions.
The core dispute lies in whether Turkey is restricted from using the jets in a military confrontation with a fellow NATO ally, specifically Greece, over long-standing Aegean Sea disputes.
German officials have strongly suggested such restrictions are inherent to the deal. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul explicitly stated that using the Eurofighters “against another NATO member or an EU member-state is unthinkable.” He argued that aircraft developed by four NATO members for another alliance member cannot reasonably be used to threaten Greece.
Turkey’s Defense Ministry has flatly denied accepting any usage limitations. On Thursday, the ministry insisted the aircraft would conduct “all mission types,” including patrols over the Aegean Sea—the very area where friction with Greece occurs.
Turkey’s plans for the Eurofighters
Turkey’s Defense Ministry further signaled its independence regarding the jets by stating the aircraft will be fully integrated into its military ecosystem:
- The Eurofighters will incorporate Turkish national software and weapons systems.
- The Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) systems, crucial for distinguishing allied aircraft, will operate on Turkish national codes.
- This integration reinforces Ankara’s position that the jets will operate without foreign constraints.
Greek reaction
The deal includes the procurement of advanced Meteor missiles. However, final details regarding this component require consultation with France, a major shareholder in the manufacturer, MBDA, adding another layer of complexity to the international sale.
For its part, Greece has adopted a careful diplomatic stance. Greek Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Lana Zochios stated that while “Greece does not impose a procurement policy on third countries,” it will continue to “express its positions and arguments” to its allies and partners regarding such sales.
Related: Pompeo Questions Turkey’s Geopolitical Loyalty at Cyprus Forum
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
