After years of strained relations and embargoes, Turkey is poised to become an “indispensable” defence partner for Europe, as Germany lifts its veto on advanced jet sales and the United States seeks to end a damaging arms dispute.
Analysts say the changes reflect a recalibration of Europe’s security architecture – and the West’s strategic priorities – amid rising tensions with Russia.
Germany last week dropped its veto on the sale of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey, a fellow Nato member, while the US is pushing to resolve its long-running dispute with Ankara over a 2019 purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems.
American diplomats say an agreement could be reached by year’s end, potentially clearing the way for the sale of 40 new F-16 Block 70 fighters to Turkey and upgrades for much of its existing fleet.
Such a breakthrough would also allow Turkey to rejoin the club of close US allies allowed to buy advanced F-35 stealth warplanes, US ambassador to Ankara, Thomas Barrack, indicated late last month.
The West’s willingness to resume high-level arms sales to Turkey marked “a shift in the global security situation,” said Bill Park, senior lecturer in defence studies at King’s College London.
