Sources at Turkey’s Ministry of National Defence have clarified the country’s position on acquiring Eurofighter jets, confirming that discussions are still underway and progress has been made in cooperation with the United Kingdom.
Speaking after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent visits to Qatar and Oman, the sources said the Turkey Eurofighter deal remains part of the government’s plans to meet operational needs until the delivery of Turkey’s domestically produced KAAN fighter jet.
“There is only plan A- the acquisition of systems required to support the missions of the Turkish Armed Forces. In this context, work continues for the procurement of Eurofighter aircraft,” the ministry sources said.
According to the same statements, talks with the UK have produced “positive steps,” and the goal is to complete the procurement process within an appropriate timeframe.
“When the Eurofighter deal reaches the contract stage, an official announcement will be made. Other claims should not be given importance,” the sources added.
Turkey ready for possible Gaza mission
The ministry also addressed questions about Turkey’s possible participation in an international mission in Gaza.
“Our contacts with the relevant parties regarding our participation in the mission force continue,” the sources said.
A Civil–Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) has already been established to coordinate the creation of an International Stabilization Force (ISF), which would carry out patrols, protect civilian infrastructure, provide humanitarian assistance, ensure border security, train local forces and monitor the ceasefire.
The statement added that Turkey’s armed forces “are ready to take on any task assigned to them within the framework of international peacekeeping operations, drawing on their extensive experience and in accordance with international law.”
“As one of the four guarantor countries of the ceasefire agreement, Turkey continues its diplomatic and military consultations with the other guarantors,” the ministry said.
Also read: Countries posing threats have no place in EU defence initiatives
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
