BAE Systems Showcases Eurofighter Amid Talks of Turkiye Deal

Our Bureau - : Jul 23, 2025 - : 5:31 am

As speculation intensifies over a potential Eurofighter Typhoon deal with Turkey, BAE Systems is showcasing the model of the multi-role combat aircraft at the ongoing IDEF 2025.

The move comes at a crucial moment for the Eurofighter programme, as BAE Systems, Britain’s largest defence manufacturer, seeks further export orders to sustain its Typhoon assembly line in Warton, Lancashire. Talks with Ankara have gained momentum, and Turkish officials have signalled increasing confidence that an agreement can be reached.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed over the weekend that discussions with the UK and Germany have been constructive. “The British and Germans are approaching this positively. God willing, I believe we will receive our jet planes as soon as possible,” Erdoğan said during a return flight from northern Cyprus, according to an official transcript. “In my meetings with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, I saw they also approached the issue positively and hopefully we will take this step.”

Industry sources familiar with the matter indicate that an announcement could be made this week during the IDEF fair. While negotiations are ongoing, Turkey is reportedly considering an initial order of more than 20 aircraft. If finalised, the deal would be a significant boost for BAE Systems, particularly as production for other customers, including Saudi Arabia, winds down and no new orders have been placed by the UK Ministry of Defence.

Richard Hamilton, who heads the Typhoon programme at BAE Systems, said the company remains optimistic about securing additional contracts. “We’re really confident about future orders,” he said in remarks ahead of the show. “Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are among the potential buyers we’re focused on.”

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a product of a joint programme between the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Each nation assembles aircraft for its own use and for export customers it secures. For Turkey, final assembly would take place in the UK under BAE’s oversight, in line with standard export arrangements.

The aircraft has been in service with the Royal Air Force for two decades and has played a key role in intercept missions and NATO operations. However, with the UK opting to increase its fleet of US-made F-35s and placing no further Typhoon orders, the Warton assembly line has slowed significantly. Union leaders have expressed concern about the future of up to 500 jobs.

Hamilton emphasised that BAE Systems remains committed to its workforce. “We have no intention at the moment of reducing manufacturing headcount,” he said. “I want to build more Typhoons here, and I believe we will build more Typhoons here.”

The possible Turkish deal comes at a time when Eurofighter partners are also promoting upgrades to the jet’s avionics and weapons systems, including integration with the Meteor missile. Designed for beyond-visual-range engagements, the missile is seen as a critical capability for future export buyers.

A final agreement with Turkey would not only reinforce the long-term viability of the Typhoon programme but also represent a strategic alignment between Ankara and its European partners amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Turkiye / Idef-2025 / Bae-systems / Eurofighter-typhoon /