UK, Türkiye Advance Fighter Jet Export Deal

(MENAFN) The United Kingdom and Türkiye have taken a "big step" toward finalizing the sale of Typhoon fighter aircraft, according to an official declaration from the UK.

This development follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the defense leaders of the two nations in Istanbul on Wednesday.

In a press release, the UK Ministry of Defence announced that a multibillion-pound agreement for the export of Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye is now "a significant step closer."

The newly signed pact is also expected to deepen the defense alliance between the UK and Türkiye.

The MoU was signed by Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and UK Defense Secretary John Healey during the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF), marking Türkiye’s formal acceptance as a prospective Eurofighter Typhoon operator.

According to the official release, this arrangement not only reinforces NATO’s shared deterrent capabilities but also builds upon longstanding military collaboration and expanding industrial relations between the two countries.

"Negotiations on the potential deal with Türkiye will now continue over the coming weeks," the statement said, highlighting that this would represent the first international sale of Typhoon jets secured by the UK since 2017.

"Signing a multi-billion export deal with Türkiye ... will bolster our vital defence industry, deliver on our Plan for Change and keep us and our allies safer during these uncertain times," said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

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