Keir Starmer has finalized a significant £8 billion agreement with Turkey to procure UK Typhoon fighter jets. The deal was sealed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Ankara on Monday for discussions with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. According to Downing Street, this multibillion-pound contract for 20 UK Typhoon jets marks the first fresh order of these aircraft since 2017.
The agreement, set to commence deliveries in 2030, is projected to sustain 20,000 jobs in the UK while enhancing NATO security measures. Starmer expressed his satisfaction with the deal, stating, “This groundbreaking accord with Türkiye is a triumphant outcome for British labor, our defense sector, and NATO security. Strengthening ties between the UK and Türkiye is crucial in confronting contemporary challenges, enabling our Armed Forces to collaborate closely in the deterrence of threats and safeguarding our national interests.”
The recent deal concludes prolonged negotiations, as Ankara had been reportedly pursuing the acquisition of Typhoons since 2023. In July, Defense Secretary John Healey, accompanying the Prime Minister, inked a memorandum of understanding with his Turkish counterpart, laying the groundwork for the export pact following Germany’s participation.
The Typhoon jets, also referred to as Eurofighters, are a collaborative effort between the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Healey emphasized the significance of this export agreement, labeling it as the most substantial jet export deal in a generation. He added, “This deal will inject billions into our economy and ensure the continuous operation of British Typhoon production lines for the foreseeable future. Beyond the mere procurement of aircraft, this agreement signifies the burgeoning defense and industrial partnership between our two nations.”
Highlighting Türkiye’s role as a key NATO ally and guardian of the Black Sea, Healey stressed the strategic importance of providing them with cutting-edge Typhoon fighter jets. He emphasized the deal’s contribution to bolstering NATO deterrence and enhancing overall security. He pledged the government’s commitment to leveraging defense as a catalyst for economic growth across the UK.