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| Science & Technology |
| Türkiye to field Tranche 4+ Eurofighters with ECRS Mk 0 AESA radar |
| 2026-03-29 |
| [TurkiyeToday] Türkiye's 20 newbuild Eurofighter Typhoon jets will arrive in Tranche 4+ configuration, armed with the Leonardo ECRS Mk 0 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a system that will initially outpace even the UK's own radar upgrade timeline, Janes has reported. The configuration details emerged alongside a GBP 2.6 billion ($3.44 billion) training and technical support deal signed in London on March 25. The radar and configuration choices will define how Türkiye's newest NATO-compatible combat fleet integrates with allied air forces, reshaping the eastern Mediterranean air power balance as Ankara simultaneously develops its indigenous KAAN fifth-generation fighter. WHAT TRANCHE 4+ STANDARD MEANS FOR TÜRKIYE'S EUROFIGHTER FLEET A source with knowledge of the program, speaking to Janes on condition of anonymity, outlined the standard and configuration for the 20 aircraft ordered by Türkiye for GBP 5.4 billion in October 2025. With deliveries to the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) set to commence in 2030, the most advanced Eurofighter standard available at that time will be the Tranche 4+, effectively the Tranche 5 minus the Long Term Evolution (LTE) package, according to the source. As the deal is a government-to-government arrangement between Türkiye and the U.K., the source indicated the configuration should be largely common between the two countries where possible. WHY ECRS MK 0 RADAR, NOT MK 2, TO EQUIP TURKISH JETS FIRST The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) plans to equip 40 of its Typhoons with the ECRS Mk 2 AESA radar from 2030 at the earliest, meaning the system will likely not be ready in time for the initial Turkish airframes. The Turkish jets will therefore initially come with the ECRS Mk 0 AESA radar. The radar revelation came as Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler and British Defense Secretary John Healey signed the GBP 2.6 billion training and support contract in London. The agreement focuses on technical and logistical support for the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft under the Eurofighter Typhoon Project, according to a statement from Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense (MoND). Related: Eurofighter Typhoon 12/21/2025 Turkey said hoping to return Russian air defense systems to clear way for F-35 sale Eurofighter Typhoon 11/01/2025 A valuable sultan. Merz wanted to sway Erdogan to the 'coalition of the willing' Eurofighter Typhoon 09/16/2025 Britain Sends Fighters Jets East ‘To Counter Russia' After Drone Incursion Alarm |
| Posted by:Skidmark |
| #1 |
| Posted by: Skidmark 2026-03-29 08:46 |