Turkey and the UK agree on a preliminary contract for Eurofighter jets
In a significant development, Turkey and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 23, 2025, to advance the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon jets by Turkey. This agreement was signed during the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul, marking a significant step towards finalizing the deal.
The UK, represented by BAE Systems' CEO Charles Woodburn, has expressed strong support for the partnership and emphasized the importance of the Typhoon jet in European and Middle Eastern security. The UK is leading negotiations on behalf of the Eurofighter consortium, which includes Germany, Italy, and Spain.
One of the key factors enabling progress on this deal is Germany’s recent approval of the export of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey. This approval, which reversed Germany's earlier veto due to political concerns earlier in 2025, has provided the unanimous approval needed from all partner nations (UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain) for the sale.
Turkey is still negotiating some details like pricing and technical terms, having received an initial offer and preparing a counter-proposal. The deal remains at the stage of formalizing a procurement agreement following the MoU.
The leaders of both nations reviewed recent progress on Turkey's potential procurement of the Eurofighter jets during the signing ceremony. The Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and British Defense Secretary John Healey were present at the ceremony.
In addition to the Eurofighter deal, Ankara remains in talks with Washington for the purchase of 40 F-16 fighter jets. The statement from the Turkish ministry also noted that the two nations are making excellent progress on the export of Eurofighter Typhoon.
The agreement is expected to enhance Turkey's advanced combat air capabilities and strengthen bilateral ties. It is also expected to boost NATO's air power and build on the bonds of friendship developed over many decades between key NATO Allies.
However, the Turkish government must now decide whether it wants to order the aircraft. Over the weekend, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan mentioned that both Britain and Germany had shown a "positive" stance on Turkey's interest in the aircraft.
In summary, the current status is: - A formal MoU signed between Turkey and the UK on July 23, 2025, to advance the Eurofighter Typhoon sale. - Germany has lifted its export veto, providing the unanimous approval needed for the sale. - Ongoing negotiations are continuing on pricing and technical aspects. - The UK continues to back Turkey’s acquisition, seeing it as a strengthening of NATO and regional security ties.
This represents significant progress but is not yet a finalized procurement contract. The signing of the MoU and Germany’s diplomatic shift suggest the deal is moving towards formal conclusion soon.
The UK, being a part of the Eurofighter consortium, has shown strong support for the sale of Typhoon jets to Turkey, especially in light of finance and security aspects within the aerospace industry. The Turkish government, having received an initial offer, is currently negotiating detailed pricing and technical terms with the UK, with the aim of finalizing the procurement agreement after the Memorandum of Understanding signed on July 23, 2025.
