Keir Starmer has finalized a significant £8 billion agreement with Turkey for the procurement of UK Typhoon fighter jets.
The deal was sealed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Ankara on Monday for discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Downing Street confirmed that this multibillion-pound contract for 20 UK Typhoon jets marks the first new order for these aircraft since 2017.
According to No10, the agreement, with initial deliveries scheduled for 2030, is anticipated to create job opportunities for 20,000 individuals in the UK while enhancing NATO’s security framework.
Mr. Starmer expressed his satisfaction with the deal, stating, “This significant pact with Türkiye is a triumph for British labor, our defense sector, and NATO’s security. The UK and Türkiye play pivotal roles in addressing contemporary challenges, and this collaboration will enable our Armed Forces to operate in even closer coordination, deterring threats and safeguarding our national interests.”
The recent agreement follows prolonged negotiations, with reports indicating Ankara’s interest in acquiring Typhoons dating back to 2023. In July, Defense Secretary John Healey signed a memorandum of understanding with his Turkish counterpart, facilitating the export agreement, subsequent to Germany’s participation.
The Typhoons, also known as Eurofighters, are a collaborative effort among the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
Mr. Healey, who accompanied the Prime Minister on the trip, commented, “This marks another substantial export achievement for the UK and represents the most significant jet export deal in a generation. It will inject billions into our economy and ensure the continued operation of British Typhoon production lines for years to come. This agreement transcends mere aircraft procurement, signifying the deepening defense and industrial alliance between our nations.
“Türkiye holds strategic importance as a NATO ally and the guardian of the Black Sea. By equipping them with cutting-edge Typhoon fighter jets, this contract will reinforce NATO’s deterrence capabilities, enhancing overall security. I am committed to leveraging defense as a driving force for economic progress throughout the UK.”
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