They will be equipped with Meteor air-to-air missiles, which can attack multiple targets simultaneously.
Turkey is moving ahead with the modernization of its air force by acquiring Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets and Meteor air-to-air missiles, which has led to tensions with Greece. Ankara plans to acquire 40 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft in two phases: a first delivery of 20 aircraft from the UK and then 20 new-build aircraft. The first deliveries are expected to begin in 2026, with full operational capability to be achieved by 2030. Eurofighter Typhoons are fourth-generation supersonic aircraft, manufactured by a European consortium that includes Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain.
These aircraft will be equipped with Meteor air-to-air missiles, considered among the most advanced in the world, reports Army Recogtinion. The Meteor missile, developed by MBDA, has a range of more than 100 kilometers and uses a ramjet engine that allows it to maintain its speed over long distances. The missile has an active radar guidance system that allows it to be guided even if the target performs evasive maneuvers. It can engage targets out of visual range, allowing the launching aircraft to stay at a safe distance. In addition, the Meteor missile can engage multiple targets simultaneously. The inclusion of Meteor missiles in the sale to Turkey was approved by France, and the United Kingdom also lobbied for approval.
Turkey’s acquisition of this technology has been viewed by Greece as a direct threat to its security. Territorial disputes in the Aegean Sea and military rivalries have been a source of historical tensions between the two countries. Despite both being NATO members, relations between Turkey and Greece are complex, and much of their military planning is focused on countering each other.
Greece has been strengthening its own defenses over the past five years, although it has not issued strong public objections to Turkish procurement. It is important to note that Greece is responsible for the only confirmed air-to-air loss of an F-16, when it shot down a Turkish F-16 in 1996 with a French-made Mirage 2000 during an alleged violation of Greek airspace.
This acquisition will give Turkey a strategic advantage, especially in high-speed air combat scenarios. In addition to the Eurofighter Typhoon purchase, Turkey is also seeking to reverse U.S. sanctions in order to participate in the F-35 program. Turkey is one of the largest operators of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, with a fleet of 157 vintage F-16C Fighting Falcons and 48 F-4E Phantom IIs, although some sources suggest they own as many as 200 F-16s.
Our country contributes approximately 13% of the total production of the Eurofighter. This percentage includes the production of structural components, avionics systems and the integration and testing of the aircraft’s systems. Spanish participation represents an important technological and economic contribution.
Source: https://www.larazon.es/internacional/mejor-misil-aireaire-mundo-cazas-eurofighter-turcos-alarma-grecia_20250201679defbae95c0600018376ba.html
