Turkey and UK Move Closer to Eurofighter Typhoon Deal

Turkey and the United Kingdom have advanced negotiations towards a significant contract for 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) in Istanbul. The MoU, signed on March 15, 2024, by Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Güler and UK Defence Secretary John Healey, is seen as a crucial step in enhancing Turkey’s military capabilities.

The UK Ministry of Defence noted that while the MoU is not a final agreement, it demonstrates the UK government’s commitment to forging new defence partnerships. Healey emphasized that equipping Turkey with these advanced jets would fortify NATO’s collective defence and create thousands of skilled jobs in the UK over the coming years.

In its statement, the Turkish Ministry of Defence described the MoU as “excellent progress” in negotiations that are expected to continue in the ensuing weeks. The UK has indicated that discussions will focus on a “multi-billion-pound” procurement aimed at bolstering Turkey’s air capabilities.

Strategic Significance of the Deal

The collaboration is a positive development for BAE Systems, which leads the export efforts for the Eurofighter consortium that also includes Germany, Italy, and Spain. Charles Woodburn, CEO of BAE Systems, remarked that the MoU emphasizes the longstanding defence cooperation between Turkey and the UK through NATO and highlights the essential role of the Typhoon in regional security.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is currently operational with nine air forces globally and is deemed vital for NATO operations, particularly in air policing along Europe’s eastern borders. To date, a total of 729 Eurofighter Typhoons have been ordered, according to the consortium’s data.

Future Prospects and Broader Implications

The momentum towards this order builds upon discussions initiated by Güler in 2023 regarding the potential acquisition of 40 Typhoon jets. Analysts, including Ali Bakir from the Atlantic Council, have suggested that Turkey’s interest in the Eurofighter stems from its strategic need to leverage negotiations with the United States concerning an alternative deal for F-16 jets. The ongoing complexities and delays in those negotiations have prompted Turkey to explore the Typhoon as a feasible alternative.

Beyond Turkey, the Eurofighter consortium is also seeking to expand its international footprint, targeting sales in Austria, Poland, and Saudi Arabia. With ambitions to scale production to 30 aircraft per year by 2028, the consortium aims to more than double its current output.

This evolving situation highlights the intricate dynamics of international defence procurement and the strategic partnerships that influence military capabilities on a global scale. As negotiations progress, the implications of this MoU will resonate across NATO and within the broader defence industry.