Minister Güler: 'We will purchase 40 Eurofighter fighter jets'

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler answered questions from members of parliament during the deliberations on his Ministry's 2024 budget at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Planning and Budget Committee.

''WE WANT TO PURCHASE THE EUROFIGHTER''

In response to a deputy's question regarding whether "Eurofighter Typhoon" fighter jets would be purchased, Güler said, "We have work underway regarding the Eurofighter. We want to purchase the Eurofighter. It is a very effective aircraft. These aircraft involve the UK, Germany, and Spain. Both the UK and Spain say 'yes,' and now they are working to persuade Germany. The UK and Spain say, 'We will solve that problem.' If it happens, we plan to purchase 40 Eurofighter jets."

''WE WILL PERFORM THE MODERNIZATION OURSELVES''

Regarding a question on whether the combat aircraft currently in the Turkish Armed Forces' inventory are sufficient for their missions, Güler replied, "Our F-16s and F-4s are sufficient for the missions we will undertake. However, we are naturally looking ahead. For the future, we had initially applied for the F-35, but some problems arose with the F-35. We are working on alternatives for that as well. To modernize our F-16s, we will purchase 40 F-16 Block 70 Vipers ready-made, and we will carry out the modernization of 79 of them ourselves at TUSAŞ."

''OUR OWN ENGINE WILL FLY IN 2032''

Stating that "There are two aircraft that are essential for us," Güler said, "One of these is Hürjet. This will also be our training aircraft. At the same time, it is a combat aircraft. Our main goal is our 5th-generation national combat aircraft, Kaan. Hopefully, it will make its first flight at the end of this year. It is a 5th-generation aircraft. We are working on our own engine. We will provide the domestic engine in 2028, and by 2032 at the latest, it will be flying with our own engine."

News Source: AA