Keir Starmer has finalized a significant £8 billion agreement with Turkey to purchase UK Typhoon fighter jets.
The deal was sealed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Ankara to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Downing Street confirmed that this multibillion-pound contract for 20 UK Typhoon jets marks the first new order of these aircraft since 2017.
According to No10, the agreement, with initial deliveries scheduled for 2030, will create job opportunities for 20,000 individuals in the UK and enhance NATO security measures.
Expressing his satisfaction with the deal, Mr. Starmer stated, “This groundbreaking accord with Turkey is a triumph for British workers, the defense industry, and NATO security. The collaboration between the UK and Turkey is crucial in addressing contemporary challenges and will enable our Armed Forces to collaborate more closely in deterring threats and safeguarding national interests.”
The deal concluded on Monday follows lengthy negotiations, as Ankara had reportedly been expressing interest in purchasing Typhoons since 2023. In July, UK Defense Secretary John Healey signed a memorandum of understanding with the Turkish counterpart, setting the stage for the export deal after Germany had also signed up.
The Typhoon jets, also referred to as Eurofighters, are a collaborative effort among the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
Accompanying the Prime Minister, Mr. Healey remarked, “This marks another substantial export deal for the UK and is the most significant jet export agreement in a generation. It will inject billions into our economy and ensure the continuity of British Typhoon production lines for the foreseeable future. This agreement extends beyond aircraft procurement, symbolizing the deepening defense and industrial alliance between our two nations.”
He further emphasized, “Turkey is a vital NATO ally and a key player in the Black Sea region. By providing them with cutting-edge Typhoon fighter jets, this agreement will enhance NATO deterrence efforts and contribute to overall security. The government is committed to establishing defense as a catalyst for economic growth throughout the UK.”