Keir Starmer has finalized an extensive £8 billion agreement with Turkey to procure UK Typhoon fighter jets.
The deal was sealed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Ankara on Monday for discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. According to Downing Street, the substantial contract for 20 UK Typhoon jets marks the first fresh order of the aircraft since 2017.
The agreement, set to commence deliveries in 2030, is projected to create employment for 20,000 individuals in the UK and enhance NATO’s security measures.
Starmer expressed, “This significant pact with Turkey is a triumph for British labor, our defense sector, and NATO’s security. The UK and Turkey play crucial roles in addressing contemporary challenges, enabling our Armed Forces to collaborate closely in deterring threats and safeguarding our national concerns.”
The recent deal signifies the resolution of prolonged negotiations, with Ankara’s interest in purchasing Typhoons dating back to 2023. In July, UK Defense Secretary John Healey inked a memorandum of understanding with his Turkish equivalent, laying the groundwork for the export arrangement following Germany’s participation.
The Typhoon jets, also referred to as Eurofighters, are a collaborative effort among the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
Accompanying the Prime Minister, Healey remarked, “This marks another substantial export achievement for the UK, constituting the most significant jet export deal in a generation. It will inject billions into our economy and sustain British Typhoon production for years to come. This agreement extends beyond aircraft procurement, fostering a burgeoning defense and industrial alliance between our nations.”
Healey continued, “Turkey stands as a crucial NATO ally and holds strategic significance at the Black Sea gateway. By outfitting them with cutting-edge Typhoon fighter jets, this accord will reinforce NATO’s deterrence capabilities, fostering a safer environment for all. This government is resolute in leveraging defense as a growth catalyst across the UK.”
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