The United Kingdom has finalized an agreement with Turkey, valued at up to £8 billion, for the supply of 20 Typhoon fighter jets.
During a visit to Ankara on Monday to formalize the accord, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer characterized the agreement as “a victory for British workers, a boost for our defense industry, and a reinforcement of NATO security.”
Government sources indicate that this represents the largest fighter jet export deal in nearly two decades and is expected to sustain thousands of jobs across the UK for years to come.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lauded the agreement as “a renewed symbol of the strategic relationship” between Turkey and Britain.
In announcing the agreement at a press conference in the Turkish capital, Sir Keir described it as “a landmark moment.”
He stated that the provision of 20 Typhoon fighter jets would “bolster security across NATO, deepen our bilateral defense cooperation, and stimulate economic growth” in both the UK and Turkey.
“I am proud that British Typhoons will form a vital component of the Turkish air force for many years to come, as you defend NATO’s south-eastern flank for the collective benefit,” he added.
The Eurofighter jets are a collaborative production of Britain, Germany, Italy, and Spain, and the agreement was contingent upon approval from the other members of the consortium.
Approximately 37% of each jet’s production occurs in the UK, including final assembly at BAE Systems facilities in Warton and Samlesbury in Lancashire.
The government has indicated that the deal will support 6,000 jobs at the two BAE plants, 1,100 in south-west England, including at the Rolls-Royce plant in Bristol, and 800 in Scotland.
This marks the first new order of UK Typhoons since 2017.
Describing the agreement as the “biggest jets export deal in a generation,” Defence Secretary John Healey stated that it would “inject billions of pounds into our economy and sustain British Typhoon production lines well into the future.”
Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems chief executive, stated that the procurement “marks the start of a new chapter in our longstanding relationship with this important NATO ally” and underscores how “investment in defence can fuel significant economic growth and returns across the UK.”
The agreement is the culmination of extensive negotiations, with Britain and Turkey having signed a preliminary purchase agreement for 40 Typhoons in July.
On Monday, Sir Keir indicated that 20 jets would be initially supplied to Turkey, “with the option to provide more in the future.”
Delivery of the first jets is anticipated in 2030.
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