UK–Turkey £8 Billion Typhoon Jet Deal Strengthens NATO Ties

October 2025, London One of the largest military export agreements in almost 20 years, the United Kingdom has struck a historic defense contract worth up to £8 billion to equip Turkey with 20 Typhoon fighter jets.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer referred to the agreement as "a victory for British workers, a victory for our defence industry, and a victory for NATO security" during his official visit to Ankara on Monday.

The agreement is the biggest fighter-jet export deal since the early 2000s and is expected to create thousands of jobs throughout Britain in the years to come, according to the government. 

The deal is "a new symbol of the strategic relationship between Turkey and the United Kingdom," according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

 
At a press conference in Ankara, Sir Keir announced the agreement, calling it "a historic moment." The 20 Typhoon aircraft "will strengthen security within NATO, deepen our bilateral defense cooperation, and boost economic growth in both the UK and Turkey," he continued.

 
The prime minister declared, "I'm proud that British-built Typhoons will remain an important part of the Turkish Air Force for years to come." "They will contribute to the defense of NATO's southeastern flank, which is advantageous to all of us."

 
Britain, Germany, Italy, and Spain jointly build the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the deal was contingent upon permission from the other members of the consortium.

 
Including the final assembly, which is done at BAE Systems facilities in Warton and Samlesbury, Lancashire, about 37% of each jet is made in the United Kingdom.

 
The agreement will sustain around 6,000 jobs at BAE's Lancashire facility, 1,100 jobs in south-west England, including at Rolls-Royce's Bristol site, and roughly 800 jobs in Scotland, according to the government. 

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