Keir Starmer has finalized a significant £8 billion agreement with Turkey for the procurement of UK Typhoon fighter jets.
The deal was sealed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Ankara on Monday for discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Downing Street confirmed that the contract for 20 UK Typhoon jets marks the first fresh order of these aircraft since 2017.
According to No10, the agreement, with initial deliveries scheduled for 2030, is expected to create and sustain 20,000 jobs in the UK while enhancing NATO security.
Expressing his satisfaction, Keir Starmer stated, “This historic deal with Turkey is a triumph for British workers, our defense industry, and NATO security. The collaboration between the UK and Turkey is crucial in addressing contemporary challenges, enabling our Armed Forces to work closely together to deter threats and safeguard our national interests.”
The accord reached on Monday concludes protracted negotiations, as Ankara had been reportedly interested in purchasing Typhoon jets since 2023. In July, UK Defense Secretary John Healey signed a memorandum of understanding with his Turkish counterpart, following Germany’s participation in the agreement.
The Typhoon jets, also recognized as Eurofighters, are manufactured through a partnership involving the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
Accompanying the Prime Minister, Mr. Healey remarked, “This deal represents a significant milestone for UK exports, marking the most substantial jet export agreement in a generation. It will inject billions into our economy and ensure the continuous operation of British Typhoon production lines for the foreseeable future. Beyond aircraft procurement, this agreement signifies the deepening defense and industrial collaboration between our nations.”
He added, “Turkey is a crucial NATO ally and a key player in the Black Sea region. By providing them with state-of-the-art Typhoon fighter jets, this deal will fortify NATO’s deterrence capabilities, contributing to collective security. This government is committed to leveraging defense as a catalyst for economic growth throughout the UK.”