Keir Starmer has finalized an extensive £8 billion agreement with Turkey to procure UK Typhoon fighter jets.
The deal was sealed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Ankara for discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday. Downing Street disclosed that this multibillion-pound contract for 20 UK Typhoon jets marks the first new order for the 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.
Expressing his views, Mr. Starmer stated, “This significant pact with Turkey is a victory for British labor, our defense sector, and NATO security. The collaboration between the UK and Turkey is crucial in addressing contemporary challenges, enabling our Armed Forces to forge stronger ties, deter threats, and safeguard our national interests.”
The recent deal signifies the culmination of lengthy negotiations, as Ankara had reportedly expressed interest in purchasing Typhoons since 2023. In July, Defense Secretary John Healey signed a memorandum of understanding with his Turkish counterpart, laying the foundation for the export agreement following Germany’s participation.
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 significant export achievement for the UK and stands as the most substantial jet export transaction in a generation. It will inject billions into our economy and sustain the production of British Typhoon jets for years to come. Beyond the aircraft acquisition, this deal underscores the expanding defense and industrial partnership between our nations.”
He further added, “Turkey is a critical NATO ally and holds a strategic position at the Black Sea. Equipping them with cutting-edge Typhoon fighter jets will enhance NATO deterrence efforts and contribute to overall safety. The government is committed to leveraging defense as a growth catalyst across the UK.”
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