According to information from the valid financial newspaper Handelsblatt, the German government Under Friedrich Mertz is seriously considering the possibility of turning the “green light” to sell fighters Eurofighter in Turkey. This is an evolution that was prevented by the previous government of Olf Saltz at the last minute, and it seems that it is now coming back to the forefront.

Confidential consultations on the sidelines of the NATO session

According to leaks from closed discussions at the NATO Summit in The Hague, senior German officials and government sources are convinced that *such an export agreement will soon be implemented *. The report points out that the Berlin He is seriously considering “bending his resistance” – a conversion that may satisfy Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who met with Chancellor Mertz in The Hague last week.

Great Britain, as well as the rest of the Eurofighter countries (Italy, Spain), has already stated in March in favor of selling 40 Eurofighter to Turkey. On the contrary, the Saltz official had tried until the last minute to prevent such an agreement.

Change of attitude and new alliances

Handelsblatt’s report emphasizes that * the new government now appears open * in such exports as the black-red coalition It does not seem willing to impose strict restrictions. As noted: *Already during his first visit to NATO, Mertz praised Turkey as an important ally, stressing that he will do “everything to maintain and expand cooperation” *.

The sales agreement is not only the equipment, but also the “connection of Turkey to Europe at the level of industrial policy”. A source of the European Defense Industry points out that such an agreement will enhance both the role of NATO and the stability in the alliance’s southeastern wing.

US gap and European aspirations

Turkey has so far been based on US aircraft, such as the F-16s, but *the US ban on the F-35 market due to the acquisition of Russian S-400 systems has opened the door to Europeans *. The report estimates that Europe wishes to take advantage of this gap to boost bonds with Ankara.

At the same time, it is noted that Saudi Arabia with 72 fighters is an important customer of the Eurofighter. Despite the initial doubts about the weapons embargo on Riyadh’s involvement in Yemen’s war and the Kasogki assassination, the German government has gradually changed.