Contract agreed with Turkey for Typhoon aircraft

In a landmark move that underscores the strength of UK-Turkey defence ties, the UK Government yesterday confirmed a multi-billion-pound agreement for the export of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to Turkey. Valued at approximately £8 billion, the deal includes a comprehensive weapons and integration package and is set to sustain over 20,000 highly skilled jobs across the UK’s aerospace and defence supply chain.

The agreement positions Turkey as the 10th nation to operate the Typhoon, joining a select group of air forces that rely on the aircraft for advanced air defence capabilities. Final assembly and major airframe components will be handled by BAE Systems at its Lancashire facilities, with weapons integration also led by the company. MBDA will supply the bulk of the weapons package, including the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.

The contract will sustain over 20,000 highly skilled jobs across the UK, especially in Lancashire, Bristol, and Edinburgh. It will also extend Typhoon production into the 2030s, preserving sovereign engineering skills and boosting the UK’s defence manufacturing base.

Significant economic growth
Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems’ chief executive, said: “The Typhoon is an export success story and demonstrates how investment in defence can fuel significant economic growth and returns across the UK. Today’s announcement extends Typhoon production and preserves crucial sovereign skills which underpin the UK’s defence and security.”

The deal was signed during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to Ankara, where he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The agreement follows Germany’s decision to lift its veto on the sale, clearing the way for Türkiye’s procurement of the aircraft.

UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Turkey’s procurement of Typhoon marks the start of a new chapter in our longstanding relationship with this important NATO ally and reinforces the outstanding operational support the aircraft continues to deliver across Europe and the Middle East as a fundamental pillar of defence and security.”

The Typhoon programme, which has long been a cornerstone of European aerospace collaboration, will now see its production extended into the 2030s. This not only secures thousands of jobs in regions such as Lancashire, Bristol, and Edinburgh, but also ensures the UK retains critical engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the fast jet sector.

As geopolitical tensions continue to shape defence priorities, the UK-Turkey Typhoon deal stands as a testament to the enduring value of strategic partnerships and the global demand for high-performance military aircraft.