EditTurkey turns F-35 setback into strategic Eurofighter triumph with UK
Ankara will acquire 44 Eurofighter Typhoon jets in total: 20 newly-built from the UK and 24 second-hand units - 12 each from Qatar and Oman
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed on 27 October a landmark 10-year agreement in Ankara for the sale of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, valued at nearly $11 billion (£8 billion).
The pact, hailed as the largest UK-led export of Eurofighter Typhoon jets in nearly two decades, underscores deepening defence ties between the two NATO allies and aims to enhance security across the alliance amid rising regional tensions.
The deal was formalized at the Presidential Complex (Cumhurbaşkanlığı Külliyesi) after a private meeting and working luncheon between the leaders and their delegations.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Starmer called the agreement “hugely important” for Britain, noting that the £8 billion order would sustain 20,000 jobs over the next decade while Typhoon production continues. “This will bolster security across NATO,” he added, confirming the package includes options for additional aircraft in the future.
Erdoğan described the procurement as “a new symbol of the strategic relations” with Britain and expressed gratitude to the Eurofighter consortium partners – Germany, Italy, and Spain, for their cooperation. He emphasized that trade and defence lie at the heart of the bilateral partnership, pledging to raise annual trade volume from current levels to $30 billion initially, then $40 billion, through expanded collaboration in energy, joint investments, and technological programs.
“I am confident this step will pave the way for joint projects in the defence industry with the United Kingdom,” Erdoğan said.
British Defence Secretary John Healey, who accompanied Starmer, stressed that the agreement “goes far beyond aircraft.” Calling Turkey “an important NATO ally and the gatekeeper to the Black Sea,” he positioned the deal as the leading edge of a growing defence and industrial partnership. Starmer further announced the creation of the first UK–Turkey bilateral defence cooperation framework to elevate the strategic relationship.
According to the Turkish Ministry of Defence, Ankara will acquire 44 Eurofighter Typhoon jets in total: 20 newly built from the United Kingdom and 24 second-hand units – 12 each from Qatar and Oman. Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler called the package “a historic step toward modernising the Turkish Air Force,” praising the Typhoon as one of NATO’s most advanced multirole combat aircraft, capable of significantly enhancing Turkey’s air power.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, a 4.5-generation joint project of the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, excels in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Equipped with advanced avionics, AESA radar, and capacity for up to nine tons of weaponry, it is fully compatible with Turkey’s domestically produced munitions.
Ankara views the acquisition as a critical move toward greater defence self-sufficiency and closer integration with European industries within NATO’s framework.
The agreement follows years of intensive diplomacy across London, Berlin, Paris, Madrid, and the Gulf. Erdoğan played a pivotal role during a recent tour of Qatar and Oman, personally securing political consent for the aircraft transfers and removing prior legal and political barriers. A July memorandum of understanding between Britain and Turkey had already set the stage for an order of up to 40 jets worth several billion pounds.
Deliveries will proceed along three parallel tracks: newly manufactured aircraft from Royal Air Force production lines, an initial batch of 24 transferred from Qatar for rapid integration, and 10 units from Oman that will undergo manufacturer-led modernisation before handover. This hybrid approach allows Turkey to bolster its air force quickly and cost-effectively.
The deal fills critical gaps created by Turkey’s 2019 exclusion from the U.S. F-35 program after Ankara acquired Russia’s S-400 missile system. Washington has since approved a $23 billion package for 40 new F-16 Block 70 jets and upgrades to Turkey’s existing fleet – the largest in NATO after the U.S., with progress continuing as planned through August 2024. Turkey also advances its indigenous fifth-generation TAI TF Kaan fighter, developed with BAE Systems; the prototype completed its maiden flight in February 2024 and a second successful test in May.
Turkey hosts vital NATO assets, including Incirlik Air Base for anti-ISIS operations and the Kürecik early-warning radar integral to Europe’s ballistic missile defence. With the second-largest army in the alliance, Ankara seeks to modernise rapidly amid Israeli strikes on neighbouring Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza – actions that have heightened Turkish concerns over regional vulnerabilities. Relations with Israel have deteriorated sharply, with Erdoğan condemning the Gaza campaign and Netanyahu warning of threats from Turkish bases in Syria.
Greece, a longstanding Aegean rival, is set to receive F-35s within three years, adding urgency to Turkey’s buildup. Analysts see the Eurofighter pact as pragmatic realignment: post-Brexit Britain expands defence exports and influence, while Turkey pursues strategic autonomy without breaking from NATO.
Erdoğan also commended Starmer for recognising the State of Palestine, calling it “a courageous step toward a two-state solution” and urging Israeli restraint alongside unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza. Starmer reaffirmed shared responsibility for regional ceasefire and stability.
Caption: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) attend the signing ceremony of a bilateral cooperation agreement on Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets between Turkiye and the United Kingdom, at Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey, 27 October 2025. EPA/NECATI SAVAS
Updated: October 28, 2025 - 11:13
