Germany’s Merz Hails Turkey Eurofighter Purchase as Boost for NATO

Germany has praised Turkey’s decision to buy 20 Eurofighter jets, emphasizing their strategic importance for NATO amid tensions with Russia. The deal was announced following talks between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

“Russia’s militant revisionism jeopardizes Euro-Atlantic security as a whole… and in this context, the German government expressly welcomes Turkey’s decision to procure 20 Eurofighter jets,” said Merz.

Merz stressed that the aircraft will strengthen NATO’s collective defense and serve as a deterrent against potential threats.

Disagreements Over Gaza Conflict

Despite the cooperation on defense, Merz and Erdogan publicly clashed over the ongoing Gaza war, which began after Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel.

“Israel exercised its right to self-defense, and it would have taken only one decision to avoid countless unnecessary casualties. Hamas should have released the hostages earlier and laid down its arms, then this war would have ended immediately,” Merz said, referring to the 251 people taken hostage during the attack.

Erdogan responded, saying he had to disagree with Merz on Gaza, noting that “more than 60,000 women, children and elderly people had been murdered” by Israeli attacks that “again struck Gaza last night.” He asked, “Don’t you see these things in Germany? Aren’t you following them?”

Strategic and Political Context

The Eurofighter purchase marks a significant step in strengthening Turkey’s role within NATO while highlighting differing approaches between Berlin and Ankara on Middle Eastern affairs.

Author’s summary: Germany welcomed Turkey’s Eurofighter deal as a NATO strengthener, though strong disagreement between Merz and Erdogan surfaced over Israel’s war in Gaza.

The Defense Post — 2025-11-01