The UK has signed an £8 billion deal with Turkey to supply 20 new Typhoon fighter jets in what represents the first new order for British-made Typhoons since 2017.
The Prime Minister visited Ankara for the first time today, where he addressed members of the media following the landmark defence agreement between the two NATO allies.
The Government says that the deal will help to sustain a 20,000-strong UK-wide workforce, with production lines operating in Edinburgh, Warton, Salmesbury and Bristol.
The massive contract represents a significant boost for Britain’s defence industry, which has faced uncertainty in recent years as domestic and international orders for military equipment have fluctuated.
Strategic Partnership With Turkey
The agreement marks a deepening of defence cooperation between the United Kingdom and Turkey, two countries that are both members of NATO and share strategic interests in regional security.
Turkey has been seeking to modernise and expand its air force capabilities amidst ongoing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, conflicts along its southern border with Syria, and its strategic position bridging Europe and the Middle East.
The Typhoon jets will significantly enhance Turkey’s air defence and strike capabilities, replacing older aircraft in the Turkish Air Force inventory.
The deal comes despite some tensions in UK-Turkey relations in recent years over issues including human rights concerns and Turkey’s foreign policy approach in the region.
First New Order in Eight Years
The contract represents the first new international order for UK-produced Typhoon fighter jets since 2017, providing a crucial lifeline to Britain’s aerospace industry.
The eight-year gap between major orders had raised concerns about the long-term viability of Typhoon production facilities and the highly skilled workforce required to manufacture the advanced fighter aircraft.
Defence industry analysts have warned that without regular orders, Britain risks losing critical manufacturing capabilities and expertise that cannot easily be rebuilt once lost.
The Turkish order ensures production lines will remain active for years to come, maintaining skills and industrial capacity that could be vital for future UK defence needs.
20,000 Jobs Sustained
The Government emphasised that the deal will sustain approximately 20,000 jobs across the United Kingdom, with work spread across multiple production sites.
Production facilities in Edinburgh, Warton, Salmesbury and Bristol will all benefit from the contract, supporting employment in Scotland and northern England where high-skilled manufacturing jobs are particularly valued.
The economic impact extends far beyond the direct workforce, with thousands of additional jobs in the supply chain expected to benefit from the sustained production activity.
Defence manufacturing has long been seen as a strategic industry for the UK, combining high-value exports with maintenance of critical national security capabilities.
Typhoon Capabilities
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft developed by a consortium of European nations including the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain.
Britain’s BAE Systems plays a leading role in Typhoon production, with the UK manufacturing significant portions of each aircraft including the forward fuselage and canopy.
The aircraft is capable of air superiority missions, ground attack, reconnaissance and maritime strike operations, making it one of the most versatile fighter jets currently in service.
Typhoons are already operated by multiple nations including the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.
Strategic Export Success
The Turkish deal represents a major export success for British defence industry at a time when global competition for fighter jet contracts has intensified.
Britain has been competing with American F-35 and F-16 aircraft, French Rafales, and Swedish Gripen fighters for international orders in what is a highly competitive market.
The £8 billion price tag translates to approximately £400 million per aircraft, though this likely includes training, spare parts, weapons systems, maintenance support and other elements beyond the basic airframe.
Defence exports are a crucial component of UK industrial strategy, generating billions in revenue whilst supporting high-skilled employment and maintaining sovereign defence capabilities.
Political Significance
The Prime Minister’s visit to Ankara to sign the deal personally underscores the political importance attached to strengthening UK-Turkey relations.
Turkey occupies a strategic position as a NATO member bordering both Europe and the Middle East, making it a key partner for Western defence cooperation.
The deal may also have implications for Turkey’s relationship with Russia, from which it had previously purchased the S-400 air defence system, causing friction with NATO allies.
By purchasing British Typhoons, Turkey demonstrates continued commitment to Western defence partnerships despite its sometimes independent foreign policy approach.
Manufacturing Timeline
Delivery of the 20 aircraft is expected to take place over several years, with production likely to begin in the next 12-18 months pending finalisation of detailed contracts.
The extended production timeline ensures sustained work for British aerospace facilities and prevents gaps in manufacturing that could lead to workforce reductions.
Each Typhoon requires approximately 37,000 hours of labour to manufacture, highlighting the complexity and skill required in modern fighter aircraft production.
Future Prospects
Defence industry sources hope the Turkish order could lead to additional international sales as other nations observe the successful deal.
The UK is also developing a next-generation fighter jet called Tempest in partnership with Italy and Japan, but Typhoon production remains crucial for maintaining industrial capabilities in the interim.
The Government has emphasised that sustaining Britain’s aerospace and defence industry is essential for both economic and national security reasons.
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