Defense Minister Yaşar Güler shares good news on Eurofighter: We are nearing the end

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler made evaluations regarding the agenda on Habertürk television. When asked about the counter-terrorism operations conducted by Turkey, Güler stated that the Ministry of National Defense and the Turkish Armed Forces have been carrying out the most intensive, comprehensive, and effective activities since the War of Independence. Güler said, "The PKK terrorist organization is an organization that has been inflicted upon our country. We believe that as soon as possible, no matter how much support they receive or who stands behind them, we will bury them all in the pages of history."

In response to a question regarding the F-16 procurement process, Güler replied, "Our discussions with our American friends regarding the F-16s have always progressed positively. They are understanding, but we have not reached the end and signed a deal yet. We want to purchase 40 F-16 Viper Block 70s. We also want the munitions that will come with them. Our American friends are currently reviewing these positively and providing answers in a timely manner. It is continuing positively."

'WE ARE NEARING THE END'

When asked about the procurement of Eurofighter jets, Güler said, "I think we are nearing the end." Expressing that three of the Eurofighter partner countries support Turkey, Güler said, "We are hearing that there are positive developments in Germany as well; we hope it can be concluded in a short time."

When asked about the difference the Steel Dome project will create for the Turkish defense industry, Güler noted the following:

'WE WILL THINK OF A LARGE DOME'

"Today, we can produce almost everything we need in our own defense industry facilities. This is a huge advantage for our country and the TSK (Turkish Armed Forces). We test everything we produce in the field. In the end, we bring it to the most perfect state and keep it in a usable condition. As for the Steel Dome, imagine a glass dome with many systems running inside it. We are trying to protect the inside of the dome. We will finish these and ensure their integration. We will think of a large dome consisting of many steel domes."

Stating that they have increased the number of commando brigades in the TSK, which was previously 3, to over 20, Güler said:

"We have started comprehensive operations with them. We go and we stay. For about 8 years, our units have been heroically continuing their battles in base areas. We have turned the terrorist organization into a completely desperate situation. A very effective struggle is continuing with the successful activities of our security forces. We no longer turn back; the organization is forced to leave the place where it is located. Wherever they go, we continue to follow them."

WHAT HAD HAPPENED?

Defense Minister Yaşar Güler had announced Turkey's intention to purchase Eurofighters before President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Berlin on November 17 last year. Güler had stated that they wanted to buy Eurofighters, that the UK and Spain viewed this request positively, but that Germany would need to be convinced.

Erdoğan had also brought the issue to the agenda with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at their joint press conference in Berlin and emphasized that Germany, as a NATO ally, should not impose restrictions on defense industry exports to Turkey.

Germany had largely restricted defense industry exports following the military operations Turkey launched in northern Syria in 2019 and the tensions that escalated in the Eastern Mediterranean in 2020.