Turkey Signs £8 Billion Deal with UK for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon Jets
In a landmark defense agreement, Turkey and the United Kingdom have finalized an £8 billion ($10.7 billion) deal for the purchase of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. The signing ceremony took place in Ankara on October 27, 2025, during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to Turkey. This agreement marks the UK’s first new order of Typhoons since 2017 and signifies a deepening of defense ties between the two NATO allies.
Strengthening NATO and Bilateral Relations
The deal is seen as a strategic move to bolster NATO’s collective defense capabilities and enhance bilateral relations between Turkey and the UK. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that the agreement would “bolster security across NATO, deepen our bilateral defense cooperation, and boost economic growth here and in the United Kingdom, securing 20,000 British jobs.” President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hailed the agreement as a “new symbol of the strategic relationship between us as two close allies”
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The deal is expected to have significant economic benefits for both countries. In the UK, BAE Systems is set to recognize approximately £4.6 billion ($6.17 billion) in revenue from the contract. The manufacturing of airframe components, final assembly, and weapons integration will take place at BAE’s facilities in Lancashire, including Warton and Samlesbury. The agreement is projected to support thousands of skilled jobs across the UK, including in Warton, Salmesbury, Bristol, and Edinburgh
Turkey’s Defense Modernization Plans
The acquisition of the Eurofighter Typhoons is part of Turkey’s broader efforts to modernize its air force. In addition to the 20 new jets, Turkey plans to purchase 12 second-hand Typhoons from Qatar and 12 others from Oman. These acquisitions are intended to supplement Turkey’s domestic efforts to develop the KAAN, a fifth-generation fighter jet expected to become operational by 2028. The Eurofighter Typhoons will serve as an interim solution to enhance Turkey’s air capabilities in the meantime
Controversy and Human Rights Concerns
The deal has not been without controversy. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have raised concerns about Turkey’s human rights record, particularly regarding the recent charges against jailed opposition mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The UK government has stated that it continues to uphold democracy and human rights while pursuing strategic defense partnerships, emphasizing the importance of frank dialogue alongside economic ties
Conclusion
The £8 billion deal between Turkey and the UK for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets represents a significant step in strengthening defense ties between the two nations and enhancing NATO’s collective security. While the agreement brings economic benefits and supports Turkey’s defense modernization efforts, it also underscores the complexities of balancing strategic partnerships with human rights considerations. As the first deliveries are expected in 2030, the long-term impact of this deal will continue to unfold in the coming years.