UK and Germany Advance Major Eurofighter Typhoon Export Deal with Turkey

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Turkey is edging closer to finalising a major deal to acquire up to 40 Eurofighter Typhoon (EFT) jets, following a memorandum of understanding signed with the United Kingdom and a shift in Germany’s long-standing opposition to the sale. The development represents a key milestone in Ankara’s drive to modernise its air force and bolster defence ties within the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) alliance.

On 23 July, Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Güler and UK Defence Secretary John Healey signed the preliminary agreement in Istanbul. The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multirole combat aircraft jointly developed by the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Germany’s approval, secured through its federal security council, was essential in lifting previous restrictions on the export of the jet to Turkey.

The proposed package could include a mix of second-hand Tranche 1 jets and new Tranche 4 variants, offering Turkey an immediate boost in air capability. This move comes after Turkey’s exclusion from the US-led F-35 fighter programme, following its decision to procure Russian-made S-400 air defence systems. In the interim, the Eurofighter is viewed by Ankara as a strategic solution while it continues to develop its own fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet, expected to enter service by 2028.

UK officials have emphasised that the deal could support thousands of British aerospace jobs, particularly at BAE Systems’ Warton facility, which has faced reduced output in recent years. Charles Woodburn, CEO of BAE Systems, described the agreement as a reaffirmation of strong defence ties between NATO partners and a welcome boost to Britain’s defence manufacturing base.

Germany’s earlier resistance to the sale was largely political, with concerns including Turkey’s internal human rights record and regional tensions. However, following a change in leadership under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Berlin reversed its position, allowing the export to proceed.

The deal also aligns with Britain’s broader aim of securing new export orders for the Eurofighter before transitioning to the next-generation fighter under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a multinational effort involving the UK, Italy, and Japan.

With negotiations ongoing around pricing, support, and delivery timelines, both Ankara and London have expressed hopes to agree swiftly. For Turkey, the acquisition not only plugs a growing gap in aerial defence capability but also signals a recalibration of its defence posture, closer to NATO partners and away from dependence on uncertain US procurement.