Keir Starmer has finalized a significant £8 billion agreement with Turkey for the procurement of UK Typhoon fighter jets. The deal was confirmed during Prime Minister’s visit to Ankara for discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Downing Street announced that the deal, which includes 20 UK Typhoon jets, marks the first new order for these aircraft since 2017.
The agreement, set to initiate deliveries in 2030, is projected to sustain 20,000 jobs in the UK and enhance NATO security measures. Starmer stated that the deal with Turkey is a positive outcome for British employees, the defense sector, and NATO security interests. It underscores the collaboration between the UK and Turkey in addressing contemporary challenges and fostering closer cooperation between their Armed Forces to mitigate threats and safeguard national interests.
The agreement reached on Monday follows extensive negotiations, with Turkey expressing interest in procuring Typhoon jets since 2023. In July, UK’s Defense Secretary John Healey signed a preliminary understanding with the Turkish defense minister, laying the groundwork for the export accord after Germany’s participation in the deal.
The Typhoon jets, also recognized as Eurofighters, are a collaborative production among the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Healey, accompanying the Prime Minister, emphasized the significance of this substantial export deal as the largest jet exports agreement in a generation. The deal is expected to inject substantial revenue into the UK economy and ensure the continuity of British Typhoon production.
Healey highlighted that beyond aircraft procurement, the deal signifies the strengthening defense and industrial partnership between the two nations. By equipping Turkey with high-end Typhoon fighter jets, a crucial NATO ally, the agreement aims to enhance NATO deterrence capabilities and contribute to overall security. The government aims to leverage defense as a catalyst for economic growth throughout the UK.
