Turkey Bows to US Pressure, Reduces Russian Oil Imports, Eyes Eurofighters

• Turkey, once a major buyer of Russian oil, significantly reduced Urals imports in January after US threats of 500% tariffs on countries trading with Russia.
• The country's F-35 fighter jet deal with the US stalled, leading Turkey to pursue Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft from Britain, Qatar, and Oman.
• Turkey signed a $10.7 billion agreement with Britain for 20 Eurofighter Typhoons, with deliveries expected from late 2025 to 2030.
• Despite a recent $7 billion F-16 deal with the US, Turkey still hopes to rejoin the F-35 program, from which it was excluded after purchasing Russia's S-400 system.
• Turkey plays a key role in an 'Islamic NATO' alongside Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, while also developing its indigenous 'Kaan' stealth fighter.

Why It Matters: Turkey yielded to US pressure on Russian trade and F-35s, shifting its defense strategy while maintaining regional influence.