The UK and Türkiye have signed a Typhoon jet deal, marking a major step in defense cooperation and NATO security.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the agreement as “a win for British workers, a win for our defense industry, and a win for NATO security.”
The deal allows Türkiye to purchase 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from the UK. Consequently, NATO deterrence and collaboration will strengthen.
At a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Starmer highlighted that the agreement enables both armed forces to work closely together. This cooperation will help deter threats and protect national interests.
Moreover, Defense Secretary John Healey, who accompanied Starmer to Ankara, said Türkiye is a key NATO ally controlling access to the Black Sea. He added that supplying Typhoon jets will boost security across the alliance.
The UK government also called the agreement the largest fighter jet export deal in a generation. Furthermore, it will support 20,000 jobs at production sites in Edinburgh, Warton, Samlesbury, and Bristol.
Starmer emphasized that the Typhoon jet deal complements a new bilateral free trade agreement. Together, these agreements will allow the UK and Türkiye to act on security, counterterrorism, migration, and energy issues.
He noted that Türkiye is an increasingly important economic and strategic partner. Additionally, Starmer announced the first UK-Türkiye bilateral cooperation framework to expand joint efforts in multiple sectors.
This framework aims to connect business leaders, parliamentarians, academics, and scientists from both nations. By doing so, it will strengthen innovation, trade, and research collaboration.
Regarding regional issues, Starmer praised Erdogan’s role in achieving the first phase of the Gaza peace plan. He added that both countries are now working to implement the deal quickly for stability.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister revealed plans to relaunch the Turkish-British Tatlidil Forum. Initially held in 2011, it encourages dialogue across economic, scientific, and parliamentary sectors.
Starmer concluded that he looks forward to returning to Ankara for the NATO Summit scheduled for July 7-8, 2026. The statements followed his one-on-one meeting with President Erdogan and a co-chaired inter-delegation meeting.
Overall, the Typhoon jet deal represents a landmark moment in UK-Türkiye relations, strengthening defense, industry, and NATO security for the next decade.
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