Türkiye and UK Sign Eurofighter Typhoon Cooperation Agreement, Deepen Strategic Defense Partnership

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday signed a landmark cooperation agreement on the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet program, marking a new milestone in the deepening defense partnership between Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Ankara, President Erdogan hailed the agreement as “a new sign of Türkiye–UK strategic relations,” noting that it will pave the way for further collaboration on joint defense projects.

“I thank Prime Minister Starmer and his team for the work carried out by the UK within the Eurofighter Consortium throughout the process. I also express my appreciation to the leaders of other allied countries in the consortium for their constructive approach,” Erdogan said.

At a joint press conference, Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that the agreement would strengthen NATO’s collective security, enhance bilateral defense ties, and deliver tangible economic benefits.

“This will bolster security across NATO, deepen our bilateral defense cooperation, and boost economic growth here and in the United Kingdom, securing 20,000 British jobs through the production of these state-of-the-art fighter jets,” Starmer stated.

Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler confirmed that Türkiye plans to acquire Eurofighter Typhoons from multiple consortium partners, including 20 from the United Kingdom and 12 each from Qatar and Oman. He added that the aircraft from Qatar could arrive as early as next year.

Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

During the visit, President Erdogan and Prime Minister Starmer also announced the launch of the first-ever UK–Türkiye bilateral cooperation framework.

Starmer described the initiative as “a landmark moment reflecting the increasing depth and breadth of our existing cooperation and our ambition to go further.”

President Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening economic and trade relations with the UK, setting an initial trade target of $30 billion, with plans to eventually increase it to $40 billion.

He said Ankara is taking steps to update its free trade agreement with the UK and exploring opportunities for joint investments in third countries, particularly in the energy and defense sectors. Erdogan also welcomed the growing number of UK citizens who consider Türkiye their second home and confirmed that negotiations have begun on a comprehensive bilateral cooperation framework to capitalize on this potential.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Starmer was welcomed with an official ceremony before co-chairing an inter-delegation meeting with President Erdogan. He also visited Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), where he was briefed on Türkiye’s domestically developed KAAN fighter jet and inspected Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft included in the new agreement.

Regional Developments

Addressing regional issues, President Erdogan congratulated the United Kingdom on its decision to recognize the State of Palestine, calling it “a bold step toward achieving a two-state solution.”

He also underscored the importance of maintaining the Gaza ceasefire, stating, “It is our collective responsibility to uphold the Gaza ceasefire; the Israeli government must be restrained.”

The visit marked Prime Minister Starmer’s first official trip to Türkiye since taking office, underscoring the growing strategic importance of Ankara–London relations in defense, trade, and regional diplomacy.