The UK and Turkey finalise an 8 billion pound deal for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. The sale secures 20,000 British jobs, strengthens NATO’s air power on its Eastern flank, and offers Turkey a critical fleet modernisation after its F-35 removal.
In the biggest fighter jet export deal in a generation, the United Kingdom and Turkey have signed a landmark agreement for Ankara to purchase 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, valued at up to 8 billion GBP (approximately $10.7 billion).
The contract, finalized during British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Ankara, is being hailed as a major win for British industry and a critical reinforcement of NATO’s southern flank.
A Massive Boost for UK Industry and NATO
The deal is a lifeline for the UK defense sector, ensuring the sustained employment of over 20,000 skilled workers across the country, with key production lines secured for years to come in Warton, Salmesbury, Bristol, and Edinburgh.
The UK is responsible for manufacturing approximately 37% of each Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
Both London and Ankara emphasized the strategic importance of the sale:
- Economic Impact: The agreement represents the first new order for UK-produced Typhoons since 2017, effectively saving the Warton production line and pumping billions into the British economy.
- Security & Interoperability: UK officials described the deal as a significant boost to NATO’s collective deterrence, strengthening the air defense capabilities of a key regional ally and enhancing interoperability between the UK’s Royal Air Force and the Turkish Air Force.
Why the Typhoon? A Stopgap for Turkey’s Air Power Gap
The purchase comes as Turkey is desperately seeking to modernise its ageing air fleet, which is predominantly composed of F-16s.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, serves as a critical stopgap solution until Turkey’s domestic fifth-generation fighter project, the MMU KAAN, becomes operational, which is not expected until the 2030s.
The move to acquire the European jet is a direct consequence of Turkey’s complicated relationship with the US:
- F-35 Expulsion: Turkey was expelled from the US F-35 stealth fighter program in 2019 after its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, leading to a significant gap in its modernization plans.
- F-16 Delays: While Turkey has also pursued an upgrade and procurement of new US F-16 Block 70 jets, that deal has faced political hurdles and delays.
By acquiring the Eurofighter, Turkey is diversifying its fleet and reducing reliance on the US, while simultaneously acquiring a highly capable jet with advanced features like the Captor-E Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a comprehensive MBDA weapons package, including the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
Germany’s Green Light Cleared the Way
The Eurofighter Typhoon is produced by a consortium of four nations—the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain—meaning the sale required unanimous approval. Germany had initially blocked the sale over concerns regarding Turkey’s foreign policy, including its stance on regional conflicts.
However, following diplomatic efforts, Germany lifted its opposition in July 2025, clearing the final obstacle for the contract to be signed.
The deal, which includes a weapons and integration package, marks a new chapter in Turkey’s defense procurement. While earlier reports suggested a purchase of 40 jets, the finalized agreement covers an initial batch of 20 Typhoons, with the first deliveries expected in 2030.
