Athens in talks with UK and Germany over weapons for Turkish Eurofighters

Greece is continuing discussions with the United Kingdom and Germany regarding the weapon systems that could be included on the Turkish Eurofighter aircraft.

Earlier this week, Türkiye signed a $5.6 billion deal with Germany and the United Kingdom to purchase 40 Eurofighter jets.

While London and Berlin informed Athens about the deal, Greece is particularly concerned about the types of weapons with which the aircraft will be equipped.

Experienced Hellenic Air Force pilots, who have conducted joint flights with Eurofighter jets, told the newspaper Kathimerini that when equipped with the right weapons, the Eurofighter is a formidable opponent that can pose a serious threat even to the most advanced fighter jets.

According to reports, Türkiye has also requested Meteor air-to-air missiles, similar to those used on Greece’s Rafale jets.

The Eurofighters can also be equipped with strategic cruise missiles like the Scalp EG, used on Greece’s Rafale and Mirage jets, or the British version of the Scalp, the Storm Shadow.

On the other hand, also according to Kathimerini, Athens was not surprised by the agreement of the consortium that produces the Eurofighter aircraft to sell 40 jets to Ankara.

Consortium members Germany and the United Kingdom (the others being Italy and Spain) had previously informed the Greek government of their intentions. Their decision does not significantly affect Greece’s plans.

In any case, Greek officials argue that the purchase will not significantly affect the balance of air power in the Aegean.

According to the newspaper, the decision was foreshadowed by the election of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a major advocate for closer political, strategic, and commercial relations with Türkiye.