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In the wake of potential challenges in acquiring F-16 jets from the United States, Turkey has initiated talks with European nations to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets.

A Turkish defense ministry source speaking to multiple news outlets divulged this information. Defense Minister Yasar Guler, who recently discussed the matter with British and Spanish officials, expressed Turkey’s preference for the most advanced, newly built version of the Eurofighter.

The decision to consider Eurofighters arises from uncertainties surrounding Turkey’s request to the US for 40 Lockheed Martin Corp F-16 fighters and 79 modernization kits, initially made in October 2021. Although President Joe Biden’s administration supports the $20-billion sale, opposition from the US Congress, primarily due to Turkey’s stance on NATO expansion and human rights issues, has complicated the process.

This situation is further strained by Turkey’s recent announcement that it will not complete the ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership before the alliance’s upcoming foreign ministers meeting.

Turkey’s pursuit of the Eurofighter Typhoon is seen as a contingency plan, with a Turkish official stating, “Our first choice is F-16s… But considering the possibility that we might not get a positive response in this prolonged process, the Eurofighter Typhoon jets are the most suitable alternatives to F-16s.”

The British Embassy in Ankara confirmed that the issue was discussed in a recent meeting between Guler and his British counterpart Grant Shapps, where they also signed a statement of intent on broader defense cooperation.