Keir Starmer has finalized a significant agreement worth £8 billion with Turkey for the purchase of UK Typhoon fighter jets. The deal was sealed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Ankara on Monday, where discussions were held with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This major transaction for 20 UK Typhoon jets marks the first new order of these aircraft since 2017, according to Downing Street.
The agreement, set to commence deliveries in 2030, is expected to create and support around 20,000 jobs in the United Kingdom while enhancing NATO security measures. Keir Starmer expressed his satisfaction with the deal, stating, “This historic pact with Türkiye benefits British workers, bolsters our defense industry, and reinforces NATO security. The collaboration between the UK and Türkiye is crucial for addressing contemporary challenges and will enable our Armed Forces to collaborate more closely in deterring threats and safeguarding national interests.”
The deal, which concluded prolonged negotiations, follows Ankara’s expressed interest in acquiring Typhoon jets as far back as 2023. In July, UK Defence Secretary John Healey signed a memorandum of understanding with his Turkish counterpart, subsequently paving the way for this export agreement after Germany’s participation.
The Typhoon jets, also referred to as Eurofighters, are a collaborative production effort involving the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy. John Healey, who accompanied the Prime Minister during the negotiations, highlighted the significance of this export deal, labeling it as the most substantial jet exports agreement in a generation. He emphasized the economic boost this deal will provide to the UK, securing the future of British Typhoon production lines. Additionally, Healey stressed that beyond aircraft procurement, this agreement signifies the deepening defense and industrial partnership between the two nations.
Healey further underscored Türkiye’s importance as a NATO ally and the key role it plays in safeguarding the Black Sea region. Equipping Türkiye with advanced Typhoon fighter jets will reinforce NATO’s deterrence capabilities, enhancing overall security. He reiterated the government’s commitment to leveraging defense as a catalyst for economic growth nationwide.
