IRIA News

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan concluded his three-nation Middle East tour to Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, pursuing a defense-centered agenda aimed at strengthening Turkiye’s regional influence.

The trip highlighted Ankara’s strategy to balance diplomacy with rapid defense modernization, as it seeks to secure advanced combat aircraft from Europe and the United States while deepening partnerships across the Gulf.

At the center of Erdogan’s trip is Turkiye’s plan to acquire up to 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets as part of a major air-power upgrade. Ankara, a NATO member with the alliance’s second-largest military, has sought to move swiftly on this purchase amid what officials describe as growing vulnerabilities in the region.

Turkiye’s proposal includes an immediate acquisition of 12 second-hand Eurofighters from Qatar and Oman, followed by 28 new aircraft to be delivered under a future contract.

The arrangement would enable the Turkish Air Force to modernize more quickly while the country’s indigenous KAAN stealth fighter continues development.

Cumhurbaşkanımız Erdoğan, Katar Emiri Şeyh Temim ile görüştü https://t.co/8oYCTLysjS pic.twitter.com/8u7IttyA8v

— T.C. Cumhurbaşkanlığı (@tcbestepe) October 22, 2025

Analysts suggest that the plan has broad political support among the Eurofighter consortium members, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Britain has already signaled readiness to finalize the deal, while German officials have indicated that discussions could conclude by the end of the year.

Meeting with Qatari Emir

During his stop in Doha, Erdogan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed the proposed aircraft transfer and signed several new agreements strengthening defense-industry cooperation. The plan would effectively redirect Qatar’s additional Typhoon order to Turkiye, a move that underscores both countries’ close military ties and shared strategic outlook.

By leveraging Qatar’s position within the Eurofighter program, Turkiye can bypass lengthy production queues and obtain advanced aircraft faster than through a traditional procurement cycle.

The 12 jets would immediately bolster Turkiye’s operational readiness, allowing pilots to begin conversion training and tactical integration while awaiting future deliveries.

Beyond the Eurofighter negotiations, Turkiye continues to pursue the acquisition of U.S.-made F-35 jets, from which it was excluded following its purchase of Russian S-400 air-defense systems. Despite ongoing sanctions, both Ankara and Washington have expressed a desire to overcome the dispute.

Erdogan recently raised the matter during talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, proposing creative solutions such as a presidential waiver under the CAATSA sanctions framework. While no breakthrough was achieved, officials say political will exists on both sides to eventually resolve the issue.

For now, Ankara’s immediate priority remains bridging the capability gap until its domestic KAAN fighter becomes fully operational. The Eurofighter program, with its advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and NATO interoperability, offers a proven platform that aligns with Türkiye’s strategic requirements.

Turkiye’s Strategic Goals

Turkiye’s focus on air-power enhancement comes amid heightened instability in the Middle East. Israeli airstrikes on regional neighbors, including Syria and Lebanon, have underscored the need for stronger deterrence. At the same time, Greece’s planned acquisition of F-35s has added pressure on Ankara to maintain a technological balance within NATO’s southeastern flank.

Erdogan’s government views the Eurofighter acquisition as both a defensive necessity and a symbol of renewed Western engagement, following years of strained ties with European capitals. The improved atmosphere between Britain and Germany has opened the door to defense cooperation once deemed politically difficult.

Cumhurbaşkanımız Erdoğan, Kuveyt Emiri El Sabah ile görüştü https://t.co/u2YQaThm4i pic.twitter.com/mLeGY9rscd

— T.C. Cumhurbaşkanlığı (@tcbestepe) October 21, 2025

Economic Partnerships

Beyond defense, Erdogan’s tour included high-level meetings aimed at deepening economic and political cooperation across the Gulf.

In Kuwait, Erdogan signed memorandums of understanding covering energy, transport, and investment. In Qatar, he co-chaired the 11th Turkiye-Qatar High Strategic Committee, resulting in a joint declaration and new agreements on trade, defense-industry collaboration, and strategic planning.

Following Doha, Erdogan travelled to Oman, where he met Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat for closed-door talks that concluded with the signing of multiple bilateral agreements. The visit marked the final stop in a diplomatic tour designed to enhance Turkiye’s standing as a key partner to Gulf Cooperation Council states.

Erdogan’s Middle East tour signals a comprehensive shift in Turkiye’s regional posture, combining diplomacy, defense, and economic engagement to project influence and secure national interests.

The Eurofighter Typhoon deal stands at the heart of this strategy, serving as a bridge between Turkiye’s current capabilities and its future ambitions under the KAAN program. If finalized, the agreement would represent one of Turkiye’s largest defense procurements in recent years and a milestone in its ongoing effort to rebuild trust and cooperation with Western allies.

In the coming weeks, Ankara is expected to finalize technical and financial details with Britain and other consortium members. Further discussions with the U.S. administration may also determine whether Turkiye can re-enter the F-35 program or pursue additional F-16 upgrades in parallel.