AeroMorning October 27, 2025

Türkiye has signed a landmark defense agreement with the United Kingdom to acquire 20 Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft, in a deal valued at approximately $10.7 billion (around £8 billion). The announcement, reported on October 27, 2025, marks a major step in defense cooperation between the two NATO allies and underscores Türkiye’s effort to modernize its air force amid regional tensions.

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the agreement represents “the biggest fighter-jet export deal in a generation.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan both hailed the deal as a milestone in strengthening NATO defense capabilities and industrial ties.

The Eurofighter Typhoon, co-developed by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, is one of Europe’s most advanced multi-role combat aircraft. The aircraft will be produced in partnership with BAE Systems in the UK and delivered progressively to the Turkish Air Force over the coming years. Airbus is expected to play a major role in integration and systems support through its participation in the Eurofighter consortium.

Analysts view this transaction as strategically significant for several reasons. For Türkiye, it addresses an urgent need to replace its aging fleet of F-16 jets, particularly after Ankara was excluded from the U.S. F-35 program in 2019. For the UK, the deal reinforces its post-Brexit defense export strategy and helps sustain thousands of jobs within the British aerospace sector.

Officials quoted in European media welcomed the transaction as evidence of intra-alliance cooperation. The purchase also signals Türkiye’s continuing alignment with Western defense standards, even as it maintains independent ties with other suppliers such as Russia.

Critics, however, have expressed concern over human-rights and export-control implications. The Guardian noted that the UK Government faced scrutiny for approving large-scale arms exports to Ankara despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Nevertheless, supporters of the agreement argue that it strengthens NATO’s southern flank and supports European defense integration.