Turkiye signed a multibillion-dollar deal with the UK to buy 20 new EF-2000 Eurofighter Typhoon jets during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Ankara.
The signing secures one of the UK’s largest fighter jet export deals in a generation and marks a strategic deepening of defense and economic ties between the NATO allies.
The agreement comes as Türkiye seeks to modernize its air force capabilities as an interim measure until its domestically produced fifth-generation fighter, the KAAN, is operational. The procurement makes the Turkish Air Force the tenth operator of the Eurofighter Typhoon globally.
UK-Turkiye strategic ties
The deal was described by both leaders as a new era of strategic cooperation and a boost for Alliance security. Following his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex, Prime Minister Starmer underscored the broad benefits of the transaction.
“This will bolster security across NATO, deepen our bilateral defense cooperation, and boost economic growth here and in the United Kingdom, securing 20,000 British jobs, building these state-of-the-art fighter jets,” Starmer stated at a joint news conference. He later affirmed the dual benefit, declaring: “This landmark agreement with Türkiye is a win for British workers, a win for our defence industry, and a win for NATO security.”
President Erdoğan described the agreement as a “new sign of Türkiye-UK strategic relations,” asserting that it will pave the way for joint defense projects. He also extended his appreciation to the other consortium partners—Germany, Italy, and Spain—whose approval was required to finalize the sale.
“I thank Prime Minister Starmer and his team for the work carried out by the UK within the Eurofighter Consortium throughout the process. I also express my appreciation to the leaders of other allied countries in the consortium for their constructive approach,” President Erdoğan added.
Eurofighter acquisition scope
The deal for 20 new EF-2000 jets represents the first new order of UK Typhoons since 2017. The UK government confirmed that the value is the biggest fighter jet export deal in almost two decades and is anticipated to sustain approximately 20,000 jobs across the UK, including at production lines in Warton, Samlesbury, Bristol, and Edinburgh.
Under the terms of the agreement, BAE Systems will manufacture major airframe components and perform the final assembly of the aircraft at its facilities in Lancashire. BAE Systems anticipates recognizing approximately £4.6 billion pounds in revenue from the program. More than a third (37%) of each aircraft is manufactured in the UK. The weapons package for the aircraft will be primarily supplied by MBDA and includes the advanced MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, highlighted the significance for the defense industry. “Türkiye’s procurement of Typhoon marks the start of a new chapter in our longstanding relationship with this important NATO ally and reinforces the outstanding operational support the aircraft delivers across Europe and the Middle East as a fundamental pillar of defense and security,” Woodburn said.
While the first delivery of the jets ordered under this agreement is expected to take place in 2030, Türkiye is pursuing an aggressive acquisition schedule for its air force modernization. Turkish National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler confirmed that the nation’s plans extend beyond the UK agreement.
Güler said Türkiye is planning to acquire Eurofighter Typhoons from several countries, including 20 from the UK and 12 each from Qatar and Oman. The jets from Qatar could potentially arrive early next year.
Broadening Bilateral Cooperation and Foreign Policy
Beyond defense, the two leaders launched the first-ever UK-Türkiye bilateral cooperation framework. Prime Minister Starmer called this initiative “a landmark moment reflecting the increasing depth and breadth of our existing cooperation and our ambition to go further.”
President Erdoğan detailed the ambitious economic targets accompanying this strategic partnership. “We are committed to increasing our trade volume with the United Kingdom, initially to $30 billion and eventually to $40 billion. We are determined to strengthen our economic ties,” he stated, noting that Ankara is taking steps to update its free trade agreement with the UK and explore joint investments in third countries.
Regarding regional issues, the Turkish President commented on the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Erdoğan congratulated the UK on its recent decision to recognize the state of Palestine, calling it a “bold step toward a two-state solution.” On the issue of the Gaza ceasefire, he stated: “It is our collective responsibility to uphold the Gaza ceasefire; the Israeli government must be restrained.”