Keir Starmer has finalized a significant £8 billion agreement with Turkey to procure UK Typhoon fighter jets. The deal was sealed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Ankara on Monday for discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. According to Downing Street, this multibillion-pound contract for 20 UK Typhoon jets marks the first new order since 2017.
The deal, which includes the delivery of the first jets in 2030, is anticipated to create 20,000 jobs in the UK and enhance NATO security. Starmer emphasized, “This historic deal with Turkey is a triumph for British workers, our defense industry, and NATO security. Strengthening ties between the UK and Turkey is crucial in addressing contemporary challenges, enabling our Armed Forces to collaborate closely to deter threats and safeguard our national interests.”
The agreement reached on Monday signifies the culmination of extensive negotiations, with Ankara expressing interest in purchasing Typhoons from as early as 2023. In July, UK Defense Secretary John Healey and his Turkish counterpart signed a memorandum of understanding, setting the stage for the export agreement following Germany’s participation.
The Typhoon jets, also referred to as Eurofighters, are a collaborative effort among the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Healey, who accompanied the Prime Minister during the trip, stated, “This deal stands as a significant export achievement for the UK, marking the largest jet export deal in a generation. It will inject billions of pounds into our economy and ensure the continued operation of British Typhoon production lines. Beyond aircraft procurement, this agreement signifies the strengthening defense and industrial relationship between our two countries.”
Healey added, “Turkey holds strategic importance as a NATO ally and a key player in the Black Sea region. Equipping them with cutting-edge Typhoon fighter jets will enhance NATO deterrence efforts and contribute to collective security. The government is committed to leveraging defense as a growth driver across the UK.”
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