Turkey, UK Sign Multibillion-Dollar Deal for 20 Eurofighter Jets

The agreement underscores deepening defense and trade ties between the NATO allies as European countries ramp up military spending.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer shake hands prior to their meeting at the presidential palace, in Ankara on Oct. 27, 2025. Ugur Yildirim/Dia Photo via AP

Turkey has signed a deal with the UK worth $10.6 billion to buy 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, the first new order for UK Typhoons since 2017.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the agreement in Ankara during Starmer’s first official visit to Turkey on Oct. 27.

The deal, the UK’s largest fighter jet export in almost 20 years, is expected to see the first aircraft delivered to Turkey in 2030.

Starmer said the “landmark agreement” represented “a win for British workers, a win for our defence industry, and a win for NATO security.”

“At either ends of Europe, the UK and Türkiye are vital to tackling the challenges of our time and this will allow our Armed Forces to work even closer together as we deter threats and protect our national interests,” he said.

Erdogan described the deal as symbolic of the “strategic relationship between us as two close allies.”

He said the two leaders had also signed a declaration of cooperation to strengthen defense and economic ties.

Growing European Defense Push

The Eurofighter Typhoon is produced by a consortium of firms from the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, all NATO members. The UK manufactures more than a third of each aircraft, with production facilities in Edinburgh, Warton, Samlesbury, and Bristol.

UK defense contractor BAE Systems, which builds the jets in northwest England, welcomed the agreement.

BAE Systems Chief Executive Charles Woodburn said the deal marks a new chapter in the company’s partnership with NATO ally Turkey and reinforces the Typhoon’s role as a key pillar of defense and security across Europe and the Middle East.

Typhoon jets serve as the backbone of combat operations for the Royal Air Force and have been deployed in NATO air policing missions along the alliance’s eastern flank, defending UK airspace through the quick reaction alert system and countering operations by the ISIS terrorist group in Iraq and Syria, according to the UK government.

The sale to Turkey comes as European countries increase defense spending in response to rising threats not only from Russia but also from China and Iran, amid a U.S.-led push for NATO members to boost military budgets to 5 percent of GDP.

It also follows the UK’s largest-ever warship export deal by value, a $13.3 billion agreement announced earlier this year under which the UK will supply Norway with Type 26 frigates designed for anti-submarine warfare.

In July, Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz agreed to deepen cooperation on defense exports, including Boxer armored vehicles and the Typhoon program.

Trade, Gaza, Regional Security

Beyond defense, Starmer’s visit to Ankara also focused on expanding trade and addressing regional security challenges.

Starmer’s office said the two leaders agreed to relaunch Tatli Dil, the flagship UK–Turkey bilateral forum that brings together government officials, business leaders, and scientists to forge new partnerships.

Erdogan said Turkey is determined to increase its trade volume with the UK to $30 billion, and then $40 billion, adding that both governments were working on updating their free trade agreement and discussing “opportunities for joint investments in third countries.”

The two leaders also discussed shared challenges, including terrorism, instability in the Middle East, and the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

Erdogan said he had the opportunity to “once again assess the developments in Gaza with my dear friend,” welcoming the UK decision to recognize Palestinian statehood.

“Taking into account the approaching winter conditions, it is of great importance to deliver the humanitarian aid needed by the people of Gaza,” Erdogan said. “It is our collective responsibility to preserve the cease-fire in Gaza and to prevent violations. I believe we will take steps together with the United Kingdom in this regard.”

Both leaders reaffirmed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and said they would continue consultations on regional security ahead of the NATO Summit in Turkey next year, where Starmer is expected to return, according to Starmer’s office.