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Cabinet officials

Turkey and UK Strengthen Defence Cooperation with Typhoon Aircraft Partnership

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The UK and Turkey have reaffirmed their long-standing defence cooperation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the procurement of Typhoon aircraft. The agreement 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. This partnership underscores the critical role that Typhoon plays in security and defence in Europe and the Middle East.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MoU between the UK and Turkey will see the procurement of Typhoon aircraft and associated supplies, with BAE Systems playing a key role in the development, production, and support of the aircraft.
  • Typhoon is a multi-role highly advanced fighter jet, operating with nine air forces across the world, and has a reputation for its performance, reliability, availability, and survivability.
  • The aircraft plays a key role at the heart of NATO operations and provides air policing along Europe's eastern flank.
  • During 2023 and 2024, Typhoon aircraft delivered 80% of operational missions conducted by the Eurofighter partner nations, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK.
  • The Typhoon programme delivers significant economic value to the UK, supporting around 21,000 jobs, including highly skilled engineering jobs.
  • The programme is an export success story, contributing £1.4 billion in exports annually and generating around £1.6 billion to the economy.
  • BAE Systems will continue to work closely with the governments of Turkey and the UK to formalise an agreement for procurement of Typhoon aircraft and associated supplies in due course.

Statistics:

  • 80% of operational missions conducted by Eurofighter partner nations (Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK) were delivered by Typhoon aircraft during 2023 and 2024.
  • Typhoon programme supports around 21,000 jobs in the UK.
  • The programme contributes £1.4 billion in exports annually.
  • The programme generates around £1.6 billion to the economy.

Sources:

  • [1] BAE Systems press release, "BAE Systems Welcomes Defence Industry Partnership Between Türkiye and UK" (no date),
  • [2] Defence News, "Turkey, UK sign MoU for Typhoon aircraft" (no date),

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