On Monday, October 27, 2025, Turkey and the United Kingdom finalized a major defense agreement, with London signing a deal to sell Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Ankara in a move that strengthens both bilateral ties and NATO's southeastern flank.
The agreement, valued at £8 billion (approximately $10.7 billion), covers the sale of 20 new Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to Turkey. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during his first visit to Ankara for the signing, highlighted the deal's significance, noting it is the "biggest fighter jet deal in a generation" for the UK. The first aircraft from this order are expected to be delivered to Turkey starting in 2030. Furthermore, the agreement includes an option for Turkey to purchase additional jets in the future.
Both leaders emphasized the strategic importance of the pact. Prime Minister Starmer stated that the deal would "bolster security across NATO," noting that enhancing Turkey's capabilities is vital for the alliance's strength in a key region. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the agreement as a "new symbol of the strategic relationship" between the two nations, which he described as "close allies". The Eurofighter jets are manufactured by a consortium comprising the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, and the deal required and received approval from all members.
The contract is a major economic boon for the United Kingdom. The UK government estimates the deal will help sustain around 20,000 jobs across the country. Major components of the aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by BAE Systems at its facilities in Lancashire, generating work for hundreds of companies within the UK supply chain. The weapons package for the jets will be primarily supplied by the European missile maker MBDA.
For Turkey, a NATO member, this purchase is a crucial step in modernizing its air force. The Eurofighters will act as a stopgap solution until Turkey's indigenously developed fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet becomes operational, which is expected around 2028. This acquisition follows Turkey's expulsion from the US-led F-35 program in 2019 after it purchased Russian S-400 missile defense systems. In addition to the 20 new jets from the UK, Turkey's Defense Minister revealed plans to acquire 12 used Eurofighters each from Qatar and Oman, bringing the potential total fleet to 44 aircraft.