Germany sets terms for Turkey jet sale
Germany is demanding written guarantees from Turkey to ensure that Eurofighter Typhoon jets, worth $5.6 billion, won’t be used to violate Greek airspace.
According to Middle East Eye, this condition is part of the negotiations between the two nations for the sale of up to 40 fighter jets. Berlin also seeks assurances that Turkish military equipment, such as tanks, will not be used in external aggressive actions.
The German stance highlights broader concerns about Turkey’s military activities, especially in the Aegean, where disputes over airspace with Greece have intensified. This deal is crucial for both Turkey’s air force modernization and Germany’s diplomatic balancing act in the region. However, Turkish defense officials have rejected any formal conditions attached to the sale as unacceptable.
Turkey aims to modernize its fleet, emphasizing the Typhoon as a complement to its 40 new F-16 Viper jets and the development of its indigenous fighter, the KAAN. Yet, the F-16 deal with the US has faced delays, with analysts predicting that talks may resume after the US elections.
The German demands may slow down or even jeopardize the sale, given that Ankara sees them as bureaucratic stalling tactics.
Tensions surrounding the airspace dispute between Greece and Turkey are critical to the negotiations, as any misstep could escalate military tensions.
For Greece, this deal holds significant implications, with concerns that advanced Turkish jets could exacerbate territorial disputes in the Aegean.
Germany’s insistence on airspace-related guarantees may provide Greece some diplomatic relief, while also complicating its relations with Turkey.
These developments could shift regional power dynamics, placing Greece in a precarious position as Turkey continues to modernize its military.
