Keir Starmer has finalized a substantial £8 billion agreement with Turkey for the purchase of UK Typhoon fighter jets. The deal was sealed as the Prime Minister visited Ankara for discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This significant multibillion-pound contract for 20 UK Typhoon jets marks the first new order for these aircraft since 2017, as confirmed by Downing Street.
The agreement, which includes the delivery of the first jets in 2030, is expected to create job opportunities for 20,000 individuals in the UK and enhance NATO’s security measures, according to No10 sources. Keir Starmer expressed his satisfaction with the deal, stating that it is a positive outcome for British workers, the defense industry, and NATO’s security.
The recent accord, which follows extensive negotiations, fulfills Ankara’s interest in procuring Typhoon jets dating back to 2023. In July, UK Defence Secretary John Healey signed a memorandum of understanding with his Turkish counterpart, paving the way for the deal following Germany’s involvement in the agreement.
The Typhoon jets, also known as Eurofighters, are a joint production of the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy. John Healey emphasized the significance of the deal, highlighting its economic impact and its role in fostering a robust defense and industrial partnership between the two nations.
By equipping Turkey with top-of-the-line Typhoon fighter jets, the UK aims to enhance NATO deterrence and contribute to overall security. The government is committed to leveraging defense as a catalyst for economic growth nationwide.