Turkey to Receive First Ex-Qatari Eurofighter Typhoons by Late February

Turkey is preparing to receive the first of a batch of second-hand Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets sourced from Qatar, with initial deliveries expected by the end of February 2026, according to reporting by Turkish broadcaster NTV, citing official statements from the Turkish Ministry of National Defence (MSB).

The announcement follows a high-level trilateral meeting in Doha involving the Turkish, Qatari, and British air force leadership, underlining the strategic and industrial complexity of Ankara’s Eurofighter procurement process.

According to NTV, the Chief of Staff of the Turkish Air Force, General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, travelled to Qatar’s capital, Doha, to participate in a three-party coordination meeting with senior representatives of the Qatari Air Force and the Royal Air Force.

The meeting reportedly focused on delivery timelines, pilot training, aircraft preparation and logistics and integration planning

The Turkish Ministry of National Defence confirmed the visit and emphasized that the talks represent a key milestone in the execution phase of Turkey’s Eurofighter acquisition programme.

First Aircraft Expected by Late February

Turkish media reports indicate that the first Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft sourced from Qatar is expected to arrive in Turkey by the end of February, following the conclusion of contractual and technical preparations.

Turkey is set to acquire 12 Eurofighter Typhoons currently operated by the Qatar Emiri Air Force, forming the first operational tranche of Ankara’s Eurofighter programme.

In parallel, Turkish pilots have already begun flight training, marking the transition from negotiation to operational implementation.

This early delivery is designed to accelerate Turkish Air Force familiarisation and operational integration, while larger fleet modernisation efforts remain ongoing.

Broader Eurofighter Acquisition Plan

Turkey’s Eurofighter roadmap extends well beyond the Qatari aircraft.

Oman Tranche – 12 Aircraft

Turkey has also reached an agreement to acquire 12 Eurofighter Typhoons currently in service with the Royal Air Force of Oman. These aircraft belong to the Tranche 3 production standard and will undergo modernisation in the United Kingdom before delivery.

Deliveries of the modernised Omani aircraft are expected to begin from 2028 onwards.

New Production Tranche – 20 Aircraft

In addition to the second-hand aircraft, BAE Systems is expected to manufacture 20 new-build Eurofighter Typhoons for Turkey, starting production around 2030.

These aircraft will reportedly correspond to the latest Tranche 4 configuration, incorporating:

• Advanced AESA radar
• Enhanced electronic warfare systems
• Improved mission computing
• Expanded weapons integration

Final deliveries are projected to be completed by 2032, bringing Turkey’s total confirmed Eurofighter fleet to 44 aircraft.

Optional Expansion – +20 Aircraft

The agreement reportedly includes an option for an additional 20 aircraft, which could raise Turkey’s eventual Eurofighter fleet to 64 jets, depending on operational satisfaction, budget availability, and long-term force planning.

Operational Implications for the Turkish Air Force

The Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition significantly enhances Turkey’s air superiority and deep-strike capability, particularly following Ankara’s exclusion from the F-35 programme and delays in domestic fifth-generation fighter development.

The Typhoon offers:

• High-performance air-to-air combat capability
• Advanced sensor fusion and data-link networking
• Integration of long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles, with engagement ranges exceeding 200 km
• Multi-role flexibility in both air dominance and strike missions

For the Turkish Air Force, the platform provides a critical qualitative leap, restoring advanced fighter capacity while domestic programmes such as KAAN continue development.

Strategic Context

Turkey’s Eurofighter programme reflects:

• Urgent operational needs driven by regional security tensions
• The necessity to modernise an ageing F-16 fleet
• A desire to diversify strategic defence partnerships
• The requirement to maintain NATO interoperability

By combining second-hand aircraft for rapid induction with new-build jets for long-term force structure, Ankara is pursuing a balanced acquisition strategy, prioritising both speed and sustainability.

Turkey’s Eurofighter plan represents one of the most ambitious European fighter acquisitions of the decade.

The phased approach — starting with Qatari aircraft, followed by Omani jets, and culminating in new-build Tranche 4 fighters — allows the Turkish Air Force to rapidly regain technological parity while building toward long-term fleet renewal.

Operationally, the integration of Meteor missiles and advanced AESA radars significantly strengthens Turkey’s air dominance posture across the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Middle Eastern theatres.

However, fleet complexity, sustainment costs, and long-term industrial participation will remain key challenges, especially as Turkey balances Eurofighter operations alongside F-16 modernisation and its indigenous KAAN fighter programme.

If fully executed, this acquisition could reshape Turkey’s air power profile well into the 2040s.

Turkey's Aerospace Ambitions: Still interested in buying 40 Eurofighters, F-35 Reintegration, and 'KAAN' Maiden Flight in March 2024

Turkey has been seeking to strengthen its position in the aerospace arena through a series of strategic initiatives, including exploring options for the acquisition of combat aircraft and developing its own fifth-generation fighter jet, the 'KAAN'. One focus of this strategy has been the ongoing interest in acquiring 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, a decision that was reinforced after the United States moved forward with the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Ankara for $23 billion.

This quest for diversification in its combat aircraft procurement options reflects a broader defense strategy, where Turkey seeks to ensure a modern and versatile air force. Although Germany has expressed opposition to the potential purchase of Typhoons, Turkey remains interested and hopes for a positive approach from the Eurofighter consortium members.

Meanwhile, the United States has signaled a willingness to reconsider Turkey's participation in the F-35 program, provided concerns related to the Russian S-400 air defense system are addressed. During the recent visit of Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland to Turkey, the diplomatic complexities involved in this process were discussed, emphasizing the importance of resolving the S-400 standoff for Turkey's reintegration into the F-35 program.

While Turkey navigates these procurement and international cooperation issues, the development of its own fifth-generation fighter jet, the 'KAAN', is progressing. After facing some setbacks, including delays in the schedule, the aircraft is scheduled to conduct its maiden flight soon. With the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) leading the project, the 'KAAN' promises to be a significant addition to the Turkish Air Force inventory, offering a combination of advanced technology, enhanced combat capabilities, and a fully domestic infrastructure.

In this context, Turkey is positioned not only to strengthen its own defense capability but also to play an important role in the global aerospace landscape, collaborating with international partners and advancing technologically in its own aerospace industry. These developments reflect a continued commitment to national security and a defense strategy that encompasses both the acquisition of external technology and the internal development of capabilities.

USA Lifts Freeze on Massive F-16 Deal with Turkey, Approves F-35s for Greece in Significant Geopolitical Maneuver

Following Turkey’s parliament endorsement of Sweden’s NATO application, the Biden administration has informed Congress that it is reviving a significant deal with Turkey. This deal entails supplying 40 new F-16 fighters and upgrading an additional 79 aircraft already in service, estimated at a staggering $23 billion.

Simultaneously, the administration has greenlit Greece, Turkey's regional rival, to become a part of the F-35 program. Greece is potentially set to acquire 40 F-35 conventional take-off and landing variants for $8.6 billion.

These parallel approvals mark the culmination of a major geopolitical struggle involving all three nations. Additionally, they coincide with Sweden's aspirations to join NATO following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, adding another layer of complexity to the regional dynamics

The delay in Turkey's acquisition of F-16s had been a significant point of contention between Ankara and Washington. Turkey's pursuit of new and upgraded F-16s dates back several years, following its expulsion from the US-led international F-35 program in 2020 due to its procurement of advanced Russian radars. In the same year, Defense News reported that American lawmakers quietly halted all major arms sales to Turkey, including upgrades for F-16s.

More recently, Turkey linked the US approval of F-16s to the lifting of its opposition to Sweden's NATO membership. Turkey, along with Hungary, had obstructed Sweden's NATO bid for months. Following Turkey's parliament's approval of Sweden's accession earlier in the week, President Joe Biden reportedly urged Congress to approve the F-16 deal shortly thereafter.

While the Biden administration resisted any official connection between the two issues, key members of Congress openly stated that no F-16s would be approved until Turkey addressed the NATO question. Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee Ben Cardin emphasized that his approval of Turkey's request to purchase F-16 aircraft was contingent on Turkey's endorsement of Sweden's NATO membership.

However, Cardin said: “While Turkey plays a critical role in the region as a NATO ally, there is an urgent need for improvement on its human rights record, including the unjust imprisonment of journalists and civil society leaders, better cooperation on holding Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine, and on lowering the temperature in its rhetoric about the Middle East.”

According to the State Department, Turkey's acquisition of new Lockheed Martin-made planes and the modernization effort, along with various supporting equipment and services, "will advance the foreign policy objectives and national security interests of the United States by enhancing the air capabilities and interoperability of a NATO Ally that contributes to political and economic stability in Europe."

While State Department approval is significant, it does not represent the final decision, and lawmakers retain the ability to intervene in potential deals. However, the public support from figures like Cardin suggests that the Biden administration likely anticipated minimal resistance in Congress when making the announcement.

Turkey is currently working on developing its domestically manufactured next-generation fighter aircraft, known as the KAAN. However, analysts have indicated that the KAAN is still several years away from being operational. In the meantime, Ankara has been eager to address its "fighter gap" that was expected to widen as its existing fleet of F-16s aged.

The simultaneous approval of Turkey's fighter clearance and Greece's anticipated F-35 purchase comes as no surprise, given the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two historical rivals.

“The F-35 will offset the increasing obsolescence of other Hellenic Air Force aircraft such as the F-4 and Mirage 2000. Greece will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” the State Department said.

Greece submitted its formal request for F-35s in June 2022, a move that was expected to receive approval from the US. However, there were concerns that this decision could potentially strain relations between the United States and Turkey.

Lockheed Martin has maintained a dedicated webpage since 2022 outlining the potential for Greek F-35s, emphasizing the aircraft's readiness as the optimal solution for the Hellenic Air Force.

Before Greece's involvement, a total of 17 nations had participated in the development of the F-35 or had procured the aircraft.

Turkey Flies Medical Aid to Coronavirus-Stricken U.S.

A Turkish military plane carrying medical supplies and protective equipment was heading for the United States on Tuesday to deliver aid to its NATO ally battling the coronavirus outbreak.
The United States, which has the highest death toll and reported cases in the global pandemic, welcomed the "generous donation" of 500,000 surgical masks, 4,000 overalls, as well as disinfectant, goggles and face shields.
The aid comes at a potentially pivotal time in U.S.-Turkish relations, which have been strained by disputes over Iran sanctions, Syria policy and Turkey's acquisition of Russian missile defence systems.
Turkey had planned to deploy the S-400 missile defences this month, but a senior Turkish official said that Ankara will delay the move - which would likely trigger U.S. sanctions - while it tackles the coronavirus and tries to support the economy.
nytimes

Turkey’s first F-35 officially to be delivered in ceremony June 21 despite US Senate opposition

A highly anticipated ceremony for the delivery of Turkey’s first two F-35 fighter jets from the United States will take place at the defense contractor Lockheed Martin’s headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas on June 21, despite successive attempts by the U.S. Congress to block the supply of the new generation fighters to its NATO ally.
Lockheed Martin will conduct a rollout ceremony in Fort Worth and the jets will move on to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona where Turkish F-35 pilots and technicians will receive training.
Turkey has been a partner of the active development program of the U.S.-led multinational Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program since the early 2000s and plans to upgrade its air defense with around 100 F-35s in the next decade.
June 21’s ceremony will mark an historic milestone in this regard for the delivery of the first batch of F-35s to Turkey.
hurriyetdailynews

Turkey to take delivery of first F-35 on Jun. 21 at Fort Worth

Turkish authorities have received an official invitation to receive the country's first next-generation F-35 Lightning II jet on June 21 at Fort Worth.
Turkey's first F-35A will enter service in November 2019 after the completion of a pilot training program. The other jets will start coming at regular intervals.
dailysabah

TURKEY AIR FORCE PATCHES/PARCHES FUERZA AEREA TURQUIA RED FLAG 2016-2

Comprar/Shop

Saudi Arabia to deploy jets in Turkey's İncirlik amid debate over timing

Saudi Arabia is sending planes to the İncirlik Air Base in the southern Turkish province of Adana, where jets from the U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition are already based, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has stated, amid reports on Feb. 14 that the jets have already arrived.
“The Saudi kingdom now has a presence at the İncirlik base in Turkey,” Brigadier General Ahmed al-Assiri was quoted as saying by the Al-Arabiya TV station late on Feb. 13.
“Saudi warplanes are present with their crews to intensify aerial operations along with missions launched from bases in Saudi Arabia,” al-Assiri said, without going into further details.
However, Turkish military sources denied the arrival of Saudi warplanes.
Military sources told daily Hürriyet that Saudi warplanes had not arrived at İncirlik, adding that the timeframe of the Saudi jets’ arrival would extend to two or three weeks.
Riyadh and Ankara are both opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
hurriyetdailynews

Airbus A400M deliveries to Turkey seen delayed in 2016

Deliveries of two A400M military transport planes to Turkey in 2016 are expected to be delayed and talks are ongoing on delivery of a replacement for one that crashed on its maiden flight last year.
Ankara signed a deal for 10 of the Airbus heavy cargo and troop carriers in 2003.
Turkey received two of the aircraft in 2014 and was due to receive two more last year, but only one was delivered. The second plane crashed in Spain on May 9, killing four test crew.
According to the A400M agreement, two aircraft should be delivered to the Turkish Air Force in 2016, in April and June. But it is anticipated that there will be delays in these deliveries," he added.
The delivery calendar had to be updated after last year's crash and a subsequent halt in testing, the official said.
The planes, costing just over 100 million euros each, are assembled in Spain, which has long sought to emerge from France and Germany's shadow within Europe's largest aerospace company.
After the May crash, flights of the two aircraft previously delivered to the Turkish Air Force were suspended for safety reasons.
reuters

Russia Prepares For Dogfights With NATO Over Syria

Russia is now equipping its Su-34 fighters with air-to-air missiles in preparation for potential dogfights with NATO over Syria.
Russia is not equipping its jets with air-to-air missiles to fight ground-based ISIS militants but rather to prevent Turkish F-16s from shooting down more of its planes.
Turkey, a NATO ally, shot down a Russian Su-24 bomber on Nov. 24, claiming it had violated Turkish airspace, but Moscow rejected the claim.
Numerous analysts also pointed out that even if the Russian jet did cross through the tiny strip of Turkey bordering Syria, it would have only been in Turkey for a matter of seconds.
infowars

Turkey receives final Peace Eagle AEW&C platform

Turkey received the last of four Boeing 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft at the type's main operating station of Konya Air Base on 9 December.
The handover of the aircraft, dubbed Peace Eagle in Turkish service, concludes a delivery process which began last year. The three aircraft previously handed over will now be upgraded with new software to bring them up to a common configuration with this latest addition to the fleet.
While Boeing has not commented on the nature of these upgrades, the company has previously stated it was looking to give the platform the ability to detect and track incoming ballistic missiles. Other improvements proposed that build on the Block 40/45 upgrade for the 707-derived E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) platform include equipping the aircraft for the airborne command-and-control mission, as well as for the onboard control of unmanned aerial vehicles. The fitting of an infrared search-and-track sensor has also previously been touted by Boeing.
Turkey signed up for the 737 AEW&C programme in May 2003. Under the deal, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Turkish Airlines, Havelsan, and Aselsan received workshare as part of an offset deal with local industry.
The first fully integrated 737 AEW& C was due to be handed over to Turkey in 2009. That date was not met with Boeing having informed Turkey in November 2006 of a 26-month programme slippage arising from delays caused by software and equipment integration problems. Further delays ensued that it was not until 21 February 2014 that the first example was delivered, with a second following at the beginning of May and a third on 4 September 2014. With the final example now handed over, all four aircraft are assigned to 131 Squadron at Konya.
janes

Turkey to Upgrade F-16 Block 30 Aircraft

Turkey's Air Force and procurement authorities approved a program to upgrade a batch of 25 F-16 Block 30 aircraft.
The upgrade program for the oldest model of F-16 fighters is designed as a stop-gap solution until Turkey has built its own indigenous fighter jet or the initial deliveries under the multinational Joint Strike Fighter program have begun to arrive.
The Block 30 aircraft to be upgraded were delivered to the Turkish Air Force between 1988 and 1990. Most of the aircraft are about to complete their flight life of 8,000 hours.
Turkey hopes its indigenous fighter will make its maiden flight in 2023.
defensenews

Turkish jets hit PKK targets in Iraq

Turkey attacked Kurdish insurgent camps in Iraq for a second night on Sunday, in a campaign that could end its peace process with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
Ankara, which called for a special NATO meeting on Tuesday to discuss its security concerns, said two soldiers were killed and four wounded in an earlier attack by PKK militants.
Long a reluctant member of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, Turkey made a dramatic turnaround this week by granting the alliance access to its air bases and launching air raids against both the jihadist movement and the PKK.
It has no plans to send ground troops into Syria and the air strikes there are meant to give support to moderate Syrian rebels fighting Islamic State.
reuters

Turkey says it shoots down regime helicopter, Syria TV reports it was drone

Turkey has announced that Turkish jets on May 16 shot down a Syrian helicopter violating its airspace, while Syrian state TV reported that it was a surveillance drone that was shot down.
A Turkish F-16 that took off from the Incirlik airbase in the southern province of Adana shot down the Syrian aircraft with two Sidewinder air-to-air missiles on May 16, military officials told.
It was not immediately clear what kind of aircraft was shot down.
Turkish locals told daily Hürriyet that a Syrian military plane violated the Turkish border twice in the Dursunlu-Emek area of the southern border province of Hatay. They added that the aircraft fell into the Syrian side of the border in three pieces.
Syrian state media said that what had been shot down was a small, remotely controlled surveillance drone.
In the evening, Turkish Defense Minister said a Syrian helicopter that entered Turkish airspace shortly after 2 p.m. (1100 GMT) and flew seven miles inside, over a period of five minutes, was fired upon and shot down.
Prime Minister later confirmed that the aircraft was a helicopter.
The May 16 incident was not the first time that the two countries’ air forces have engaged militarily.
A Turkish F-4 Phantom warplane crashed into the Mediterranean on June 22, 2012, after being shot down by Syria.
On Sept 16, 2013, the Turkish Air Force shot down a Syrian helicopter at the border after it reportedly violated Turkey's airspace.
Turkish fighter jets also downed a Syrian jet on March 23, 2014, after it crossed into Turkish airspace, a week before local elections.
hurriyetdailynews

Turkey Receives Last Upgraded F-16

The Turkish Air Force received the last of a batch of F-16 fighter jets which underwent a comprehensive upgrade program.
The upgrade program substantially boosts Turkey's air combat power.
In 2011, the Turkish and US governments signed a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) for the modernization of 117 Turkish Air Force F-16s to a common avionics configuration.
The upgrade created a common avionics configuration for the service's fleet of F-16 Block 40 and 50 aircraft. Systems integrated on Turkey's upgraded F-16s include:

• The AN/APG-69(V)9 radar installed on new F-16 Advanced Block 50/52 aircraft
• Color cockpit displays
• The Modular Mission Computer and new avionics processors
• The Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS)
• The Link 16 datalink
• New identification-friend-or-foe (IFF) transponders
• AN/AVS-9 night-vision goggles
• Upgraded navigation systems; and BAE Systems' AN/ALQ-178(V)5+ electronic-warfare (EW) system, mounted internally, with radar-warning and jamming capabilities for aircraft self-protection

The aircraft were also modified to accept new missile systems of unspecified types; some potential candidates include the AIM-9X Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and MBDA Meteor.
The deal was conducted under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, with Lockheed Martin as principle contractor, although the actual modification of the aircraft was performed by TAI.
defensenews

Turkey Confirms KT-1 Trainer Deal with South Korea

Turkey has confirmed that the country will go ahead with a planned purchase of 15 KT-1T basic trainer aircraft from South Korea.
The government decided to buy a follow-on order of 15 KT-1Ts as a stop-gap solution to meet its trainer aircraft needs.
Program for the design, development and production of an indigenous basic trainer aircraft, the Hurkus, is progressing as planned.
The first Hurkus is expected to be delivered to the Turkish military by 2018. Meanwhile, Turkey plans to inaugurate this year a multinational military flight training center. Both trainer aircraft will be used at the planned center after 2018. But KT-1Ts are expected to arrive earlier.
Turkey has signed an agreement with the Tusas Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for an initial batch of 10 Hurkus aircraft.
In 2007, Turkey and KAI signed a contract for the sale of an initial batch of 40 KT-1s, with an option for 15 more.
The industry widely views the Turkish move to buy new KT-1s as a sign of mistrust in TAI's delivery schedule.
defensenews

Two A400M Deliveries for Turkey Face Delays

The deliveries of two A400M military transport aircraft for Turkey, scheduled for this year, are facing delays, that will result in penalties for Airbus in cash payment or free equipment and services.
It's not specified how long the delays are expected.
In 2003, Turkey signed a deal for a batch of 10 A400Ms, with final deliveries scheduled for 2018. Last year, two aircraft were delivered with two more to be received in 2015.
The delays in 2014 sparked a dispute between Airbus and the Turkish government. Turkey accused Airbus of failing in its delivery timetable, and Airbus accused Turkey for using delays for bargaining.
The latest A400M delivery to Turkey was formalized in December. Turkey's first A400M was delivered last April, following months-long controversy over whether the aircraft met technical specifications.
defensenews

Turkey To Retire Its RF-4E Fleet After Crashes

Turkey is retiring its RF-4E Phantom II reconnaissance planes. The announcement came after two RF-4E’s crashed on February 24th during a night training exercise, killing all four crew members. Turkish Air Force have decided to ground the planes as of March 12th, retiring them several months earlier than scheduled. Nine days later, another Turkish Phantom also crashed, killing its two pilots and raising questions about the safety of Turkey’s aging fleet. Reconnaissance flights will be now carried out by F-16 jets.
warbirdsnews

Turkey's Anka Block B UAV completes maiden flight

Turkey completed the maiden flight of its Anka Block B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on 30 January.
According to TAI the first flight included a wide degree of autonomy, with take-off, landing, and much of the flight itself being conducted by an autopilot.
The Anka B is the second generation of the indigenous medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV. It is also the production standard version, with 10 Anka Block B UAVs having been ordered in October 2013 for the Turkish military.
The Anka B features a more expansive payload to the pre-series/basic Anka Block A.
Turkey announced in July 2012 that it would develop an armed version of the Anka. While the Anka A was unarmed, it is unclear if the Block B aircraft will be able to carry ordnance - either currently or at a later date.
The first flight of the production-standard Anka B comes just over four years after the initial Anka prototype first flew in December 2010.
The Anka programme has suffered some issues, including the crash of the first aircraft in September 2012 and some problems with the Anka A's payload, but it now appears to be moving forward in line with a planned first delivery to the Turkish Air Force in 2016. All 10 Anka Bs are scheduled to be delivered by 2018.
Turkey has positioned itself as the only European country to have a MALE UAV in production.
janes

More A400M Delivery Delays Expected In 2015

Supplier woes are forcing to revise delivery plans for the A400M tactical transport aircraft this year.
Airbus is taking a look at the entire plane and will announce a new schedule at the end of February.
A total of 10 from 170 A400Ms have been handed over to four of seven partner nations in the past two years.
Some A400Ms will be handed over this year with the current standard,(SOC-1), which allows for airdrops of troops and support equipment, while others will feature an upgrade to SOC 1.5, which will add full aerial delivery and some basic tactical capabilities such as initial aerial refueling.
Airbus expects to deliver some aircraft to France this year, though possibly not as many as Paris expects.
Since late 2013 Airbus has delivered six A400Ms to France in a baseline configuration.
Turkey received two A400Ms last year and expects two more to be delivered this year.
Britain last year received the first of 22 A400Ms on order through 2019, while Germany’s first A400M was handed over earlier this month, after the nation’s defense ministry complained that the aircraft was not up to specification. Berlin has ordered 53 of the aircraft and expects five more to be handed over this year.
aviationweek