U.K. and Turkey Sign £8 Billion Eurofighter Deal

The United Kingdom has signed an £8 billion (≈ $10.7 billion) agreement to sell 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey — marking London’s largest defense deal in nearly two decades and Ankara’s first major non-U.S. aircraft purchase.

The deal was finalized in Ankara during a joint signing ceremony between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, signaling a deepening strategic partnership between the two NATO allies.

“A Clear Message to Putin”: Starmer Hails NATO Unity

Calling the sale “a powerful signal of European and NATO strength,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Bloomberg the deal was meant to send a message of unity to Moscow:

“Turkey is vital for NATO’s southeastern flank. This agreement shows Vladimir Putin that NATO is more united and stronger than ever.”

The Typhoon jets are manufactured by BAE Systems and this marks the first new order since 2017 for the aircraft.

Erdoğan: “A New Milestone in Our Strategic Partnership”

At the signing ceremony, President Erdoğan emphasized the agreement’s importance for Turkish defense modernization:

“We view the Eurofighter deal as a new milestone in our strategic relations as close allies.”

Turkey is also reportedly in talks to acquire 12 used Typhoon jets from Qatar and 12 from Oman, according to Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler.

Post–F-35 Pivot: Turkey Moves Closer to the U.K.

According to Bloomberg, the deal represents a geopolitical realignment following strained U.S.–Turkey relations. Ankara was expelled from the F-35 fighter program after purchasing Russian S-400 air defense systems, which soured ties with Washington.

The U.K. move comes as part of London’s push to expand defense exports amid a perceived U.S. retreat from European security commitments.

Germany Lifts Its Veto After Years of Objection

The sale required approval from the Eurofighter consortium’s partners — the U.K., Germany, Spain, and Italy. Germany had long blocked exports to Turkey over human rights concerns.
However, after months of British diplomatic lobbying, Berlin finally lifted its veto earlier this year.

U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey said the deal underscored broader defense cooperation:

“This isn’t just about aircraft — it’s about partnership. The U.K.–Turkey relationship is deepening in a way that benefits both nations.”

20,000 Jobs for the U.K., Strategic Edge for Turkey

The British government estimates that the agreement will create 20,000 jobs in northern England over the next decade, supporting the country’s defense industrial base.

For Turkey, the acquisition provides a critical boost to its air force amid delays in U.S. F-16 deliveries and continued exclusion from the F-35 program.
At the same time, Ankara continues to develop its indigenous KAAN fighter jet and expand its global drone exports.

Starmer: “A Model for the Future of Defense Alliances”

Starmer told Bloomberg that the deal illustrates the U.K.’s evolving defense role:

“You can see a clear model emerging. More nations are turning to the U.K. — not just for defense capabilities, but for strategic partnership.”