Germany Blocks Eurofighter Sale to Ankara over Turkish Opposition Leader's Arrest

Germany has halted the planned delivery of around 30 Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey following the arrest of İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a high-profile opposition figure and declared presidential candidate.

The move, reported by German daily Handelsblatt on Thursday, signals rising tension between Berlin and Ankara over human rights and democratic values.

İmamoğlu, seen as a potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was arrested on March 23 on corruption charges. Critics, including several European governments, claim the charges are politically motivated. His detention on March 19 triggered mass protests across Turkey—the largest since 2013—and drew sharp rebuke from Berlin, which called the arrest “an attack on Turkish democracy.”

Germany’s decision effectively stalls Turkey’s broader plan to acquire 40 Eurofighter Typhoons, which includes 20 older Tranche 1 models from the U.K. and 20 newer Tranche 4 jets. As a joint project between Germany, the U.K., Italy and Spain, the Eurofighter consortium requires unanimous partner approval for all exports.

According to Handelsblatt, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had made progress in quiet discussions with Erdoğan to approve the sale. However, İmamoğlu’s arrest derailed the talks. Speaking from prison, the mayor urged citizens to “keep defending democracy.”

The German government has declined to confirm the report. “As a matter of principle, we do not comment on internal government discussions,” a spokesperson told Agence France-Presse.

The suspension comes at a sensitive moment for NATO. Turkey, as the alliance’s second-largest military power, plays a crucial role on NATO’s southeastern flank, particularly amid ongoing instability in the Middle East and growing tensions with Russia.

Defense analysts say Germany’s block may complicate NATO cohesion. Ankara, meanwhile, is weighing alternatives. Talks are ongoing with the U.K. for Tranche 1 Eurofighters, and Turkey continues to invest in its domestic KAAN fighter jet program, which flew for the first time in 2024.

Germany’s export decision also highlights persistent divisions within the Eurofighter program. Berlin’s cautious arms export policies often conflict with consortium partners, slowing multilateral deals. Efforts to harmonize European arms sales rules remain unresolved.

Domestically, Germany’s political landscape has shifted. The CDU/CSU bloc recently formed a new coalition with the SPD, following the collapse of the previous government. While the CDU supports the Eurofighter deal, the SPD remains opposed. CDU leader Friedrich Merz is reportedly considering using the jet sale as leverage to push for İmamoğlu’s release.

In parallel, Turkey’s defense ministry is reviewing a British proposal submitted in March for the Tranche 1 jets, which has received U.K. approval. The Turkish Air Force aims to induct all 40 Typhoons by 2030.

Turkey is still barred from the U.S. F-35 program due to its acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems. While there are reports of potential policy shifts under the new U.S. administration, Ankara has not indicated any plans to give up the S-400s.

Germany has reportedly suggested the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)—a regional missile defense framework—as a potential compromise. The proposal could involve offering Turkey U.S.-made Patriot systems in exchange for cooperation, or inclusion of Turkey’s local defense systems in the ESSI.