Description: Turkey managed to secure the purchase of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from its NATO allies, Germany and the UK. The country is also reportedly negotiating with the US for the purchase of additional 40 F – 16 fighter jets to bolster its defenses and increase the country’s deterrence capabilities. British Defense Secretary, John Healey met with his Turkish counterpart, Yasar Guler in Istanbul where the purchase agreement was signed as the defense officials highlighted the closely collaborated transaction further strengthening their mutual partnerships within the NATO Alliance. Recent developments in the Middle East, such as the 12 – day war between Israel, the US and Iran as well as continuous armed fighting in Syria, prompted Turkey to upscale its rearmament initiatives as the region becomes even more volatile.
Impact: Turkey’s rearmament efforts solidify the country’s position as an influential state actor in the region and enhance its intervention capabilities in light of recent conflicts in the Middle East. The purchase also highlights Turkey’s growing defense industry which coupled with international partnerships, such as the one with the Eurofighter group, benefits the domestic defense development sectors. The partnership increases Turkey’s role within NATO in defense of NATO’s eastern flank while providing the country with increased military aviation capabilities to counter threats mainly originating from Israel. The agreement also precipitates tensions in the region, as Turkey’s increased capabilities would be negatively perceived by its adversaries such as Israel, which is involved in a battle for geopolitical dominance with Turkey in Syria.