Taking an important step towards strengthening its air force, Turkey has decided to procure a total of 44 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. In this context, Turkey plans to purchase 20 aircraft from the United Kingdom, 12 aircraft from Qatar and 12 aircraft from Oman. This strategic procurement was formalised with a cooperation agreement signed on Monday 27 October 2025 during the visit of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Ankara.
Details of the Summit and Cooperation Agreement
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer and the accompanying Defence Minister John Healy were welcomed by the Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler with a military ceremony at Mürted Airfield Command. Following the bilateral and delegation meetings held at the Presidential Complex, President Erdoğan and Prime Minister Starmer signed a co-operation agreement on the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet.
In his statement, Yaşar Güler, Minister of National Defence, gave the planned details of the procurement and stated that the aircraft to be purchased especially from Qatar could arrive in Turkey at the beginning of the new year. Starmer, on the other hand, announced the cost of 20 aircraft to be purchased by Turkey from the United Kingdom as approximately 10.7 billion dollars.
Comprehensive Arms Package and Economic Dimension
The supply deal covers not only the purchase of aircraft, but also a comprehensive arms package, including the METEOR beyond-line-of-sight air-to-air missile. The UK government said the deal was worth up to £8bn and secured the employment of thousands of skilled British workers for years to come.
Looking at the cost breakdown of the deal, it is stated that the amount of £ 8 billion announced by UK Prime Minister Starmer refers to the upper limit of the total package cost, which includes the sale of 20 aircraft, METEOR missiles, pilot training and all integration services. Main manufacturers such as BAE Systems are expected to generate revenues of approximately £4.6 billion.
A New Door Opened in Defence Industry
President Erdoğan stated that he sees this agreement as a new sign of the strategic relations between the two close allies. Erdoğan expressed his belief that this cooperation with the United Kingdom will open the door to joint projects in the defence industry. This agreement is of great importance for Turkey’s goal of modernising its air power and reinforcing its strategic role in the NATO alliance.
