Sign in Subscribe
Cabinet officials

BAE Systems Welcomes Draft Deal for Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

BAE Systems has applauded the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the UK and Turkish governments, paving the way for new orders for the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. The agreement, signed at the International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul, will enable the company to continue producing and manufacturing the aircraft at its Lancashire factories, employing 12,000 people across its Samlesbury and Warton sites.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Turkish Minister of National Defence, Yasar Güler, and UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, at the International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul.
  • BAE Systems Air Sector employs 12,000 people across its Samlesbury and Warton sites, with 5,600 at Samlesbury and 6,400 at Warton.
  • The final assembly of Typhoons takes place at the Warton site, while the Samlesbury plant manufactures the UK workshare of Typhoon major units.
  • The new agreement follows the company's earlier statement that it had rejected fears of declining orders for the Typhoon aircraft, with Charles Woodburn, chief executive of BAE Systems, calling it "a significant moment for our business".
  • The Typhoon aircraft is a multi-role fighter jet in operation with nine air forces across the world, with a reputation for its performance, reliability, availability, and survivability.
  • The aircraft plays a key role in NATO operations and provides air policing along Europe's eastern flank.
  • In 2023 and 2024, Typhoon aircraft delivered 80% of operational missions conducted by the Eurofighter partner nations.
  • The Typhoon programme delivers significant economic value to the UK, supporting on average 21,000 jobs, including highly skilled engineering jobs.
  • The programme contributes £1.4 billion in exports annually and generates around £1.6 billion to the economy.

Statistics:

  • 12,000: Number of people employed by BAE Systems Air Sector across its Samlesbury and Warton sites.
  • 5,600: Number of people employed at Samlesbury.
  • 6,400: Number of people employed at Warton.
  • 80%: Percentage of operational missions delivered by Typhoon aircraft in 2023 and 2024.
  • £1.4 billion: Exports contributed by the Typhoon programme annually.
  • £1.6 billion: Contribution to the economy generated by the Typhoon programme.
  • 21,000: Average number of jobs supported by the Typhoon programme in the UK.

Sources:

  • "BAE Systems Welcomes Draft Deal for Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft", By, Bill Jacobs
  • "Typhoon is a multi-role highly advanced fighter jet, in operation with nine air forces across the world, and has a reputation for its performance, reliability, availability and survivability."
  • BAE Systems Press Release: "BAE Systems to continue working closely with governments of Türkiye and the UK to formalise an agreement for procurement of Typhoon aircraft and associated supplies in due course."

Read more