UK and Türkiye sign preliminary Eurofighter Typhoon deal

Our Bureau - : Jul 23, 2025 - : 6:18 pm

The United Kingdom and Turkey have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that could see Ankara acquire up to 40 Eurofighter Typhoon multirole combat aircraft, potentially marking one of the largest Turkish defence procurements in recent years.

The agreement was formalised during a ceremony in Istanbul on the sidelines of the ongoing IDEF2025 on July 23, with senior defence officials from both nations in attendance.

The deal paves the way for detailed negotiations over what could become a multibillion-pound contract, although neither side has yet disclosed the exact financial terms or expected delivery timelines.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is jointly developed by a European consortium comprising BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo, and represents one of Europe's most advanced combat aircraft platforms. The jet is currently operated by several NATO countries, including the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as well as export customers such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

While no firm purchase agreement has yet been signed, the MoU signifies a growing alignment between London and Ankara on defence cooperation. It also comes at a time when Turkey is looking to modernise its air force and diversify its procurement sources following strained relations with some traditional suppliers.

The Eurofighter sale, if finalised, would likely involve UK-based BAE Systems as a key industrial and technical partner. BAE already maintains ties with Turkey through its involvement in the TF-X (KAAN) fifth-generation fighter programme, in which it has provided design and engineering support.

The Eurofighter Typhoon, first introduced in the early 2000s, is a twin-engine, multirole fighter capable of both air superiority and precision strike missions. Its adaptability and continued upgrade potential make it a strong candidate for air forces seeking non-U.S. alternatives to aircraft like the F-35.

Fighter jet sales are among the most fiercely contested areas in the global defence market, not only due to the large sums involved but also the strategic and political significance of such transfers. For the UK, a successful Typhoon sale to Turkey would help sustain its domestic aerospace industry, while for Ankara it would represent a high-profile move to enhance airpower capabilities amid regional tensions.

Analysts say the agreement could also signal a broader thaw in UK-Turkey defence ties, after a period marked by geopolitical complexity and shifting alliances.

Further details are expected in the coming months as both governments work through procurement and regulatory steps.