The United Kingdom and Türkiye have signed a landmark £8 billion defence agreement for the sale of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, marking the largest British combat aircraft export deal in nearly two decades. The contract was finalized on October 27, 2025, during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first official visit to Ankara, where he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
A Strategic Defence Partnership
The deal represents the first new order for UK-built Typhoons since 2017 and is expected to sustain more than 20,000 skilled jobs across the UK defence sector, particularly at BAE Systems’ Warton and Samlesbury sites, as well as facilities in Bristol and Edinburgh. The agreement also includes a comprehensive weapons and integration package led by BAE Systems and MBDA, ensuring long-term industrial cooperation.
Prime Minister Starmer hailed the deal as “a win for British workers, a win for our defence industry, and a win for NATO security,” underscoring its importance not only for bilateral ties but also for strengthening the alliance’s collective deterrence.
Boosting Türkiye’s Air Power
For Türkiye, the acquisition significantly enhances its air combat capabilities at a time when Ankara is modernising its armed forces while developing its own fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet. The Typhoons will provide an advanced interim capability, ensuring interoperability with NATO allies and reinforcing Türkiye’s role as a key security partner in the region.
According to Turkish officials, deliveries are expected to begin within the next three years, with the aircraft integrated into the Turkish Air Force fleet by the end of the decade.
Geopolitical and Economic Significance
The agreement comes amid heightened security concerns across Europe and the Middle East, with NATO allies seeking to bolster their defence readiness. Analysts note that the deal not only cements UK-Türkiye defence cooperation but also signals Ankara’s continued alignment with Western defence structures despite its pursuit of independent military programs.
Economically, the contract provides a major boost to the UK’s aerospace sector, safeguarding thousands of jobs and extending the Typhoon production line well into the 2030s.
Looking Ahead
The Typhoon deal is being described as the biggest fighter jet export agreement for the UK in a generation, reflecting both nations’ strategic priorities. For Britain, it reinforces its defence industrial base and global standing; for Türkiye, it secures advanced capabilities while bridging the gap until its indigenous fighter program matures.
Typhoon Fighter Jets Picture by Ur-1988
Sources: UK Government (GOV.UK); The Independent; Al Jazeera; The Aviationist; Aviacionline ummid.com GOV.UK The Aviationist Aljazeera.
