What You Need to Know: Turkey is moving closer to acquiring 40 Eurofighter Typhoon multirole aircraft after Germany removed its long-standing objections. The sale had been delayed over concerns that the jets could be used against Kurdish groups in Syria and Iraq. However, with Germany's recent approval, technical negotiations have now begun.

-The first two dozen jets could be delivered within a few years, while the total value of the deal is expected to be around $5.6 billion.

-The Eurofighter Typhoon, a highly capable aircraft, will enhance Turkey's aerial capabilities as it awaits further upgrades to its fleet.

Why Turkey's Eurofighter Acquisition Could Reshape Regional Airpower

The Eurofighter Typhoon is considered one of the most capable non-stealth aircraft in service today, and it is easy to see why NATO member Turkey (Türkiye) has sought to acquire upwards of 40 of the multirole aircraft. However, a sticking point has been Berlin's refusal to sell Ankara the Typhoon citing concerns the aircraft could be employed against Kurdish militia groups operating in Syria and Iraq.

However, Germany has now removed its objections, giving a green light for the official start of "technical negotiations" that could see Turkey move forward with the long sought-after acquisition. The Eurofighter consortium also consists of Italy, Spain, and the UK – with all of those nations signing off on the deal. It isn't entirely clear what changed the minds of German officials, but Ankara could be inching closer to adopting the Typhoon.

"The German Federal Security Council in a secret meeting decided to allow the Eurofighter consortium to share the specifications of the fighter jet with Turkey and begin technical consultations," an official close to the issue told Middle East Eye on Saturday.

Turkey has shifted its foreign policy, including engaging in a reset with its neighbor and NATO partner Greece, while there has been indication it won't seek to put the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defense system into operation. Ankara's acquisition of the Russian-made anti-aircraft platform resulted in being expelled from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

The announcement that Germany is set to approve the sale comes just weeks after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in New York City when both attended the United Nations General Assembly. Scholz is also scheduled to visit Turkey later this week.

First Two Dozen Could Land in Turkey Soon

The multinational aviation firm Airbus also already announced that once the deal is finalized, the first two dozen Eurofighter Typhoons could arrive within a few years – while the remaining 16 would be produced in future stages.

The value of the total deal is reported to be worth around $5.6 billion, and in addition to the 24 initial aircraft would include training, spare parts, and maintenance hardware. The Eurofighter Typhoons would also provide the Turkish Air Force with AESA radar technology, something it has lacked.

The Eurofighter offers an "optimal interim solution while (Turkey) awaits the integration of its domestic KAAN fighter and American F-16 Block 70s into its fleet," a Turkey expert told Army Recognition. The adoption of the Typhoon could also improve defense cooperation within NATO. Yet, it remains unclear if there will be other opposition from within the EU or the international military alliance.

The aircraft remains in service with the air forces of multiple, including Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK – while Austria, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have also adopted the aircraft.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].

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