UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a deal to supply Turkey with 20 Typhoon fighter jets, valued at up to £8 billion. This agreement, signed during his visit to Ankara, is noted as the largest fighter jet export deal in nearly two decades. The UK government claims it will support thousands of jobs across the country.
During the signing, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the deal as a new symbol of the strategic relationship between Turkey and Britain. Starmer referred to the agreement as a “landmark moment,” emphasizing that it would enhance security within NATO, deepen bilateral defense cooperation, and stimulate economic growth in both nations.
The Typhoon jets are produced collaboratively by a consortium that includes the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, and the deal requires approval from all member states. Approximately 37% of each jet’s components are produced in the UK, including final assembly at BAE Systems facilities in Lancashire. The government estimates that the agreement will support around 6,000 jobs at BAE plants, 1,100 in south-west England, particularly at the Rolls-Royce facility in Bristol, and 800 in Scotland.
This marks the first new order for UK Typhoons since 2017. UK Defense Secretary John Healey described the agreement as the “biggest jets export deal in a generation,” asserting it would substantially benefit the economy. BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn noted that the procurement signifies a significant development in the enduring relationship with Turkey and highlights the economic advantages stemming from defense investments.
Negotiations for this agreement had been ongoing, with a preliminary deal for 40 Typhoons signed in July. Starmer mentioned that while 20 jets would be delivered to Turkey, there remains an option to supply additional units in the future, with the initial deliveries projected for 2030.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgk8zz7r5lo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss