Turkey, U.K. Sign Eurofighter Deal Framework after Germany Lifts Block

Turkey has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom to move forward with the acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon jets, following years of stalled negotiations and shifting alliances.

The agreement was signed by Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey at the IDEF 2025 defense expo in Istanbul. It follows Germany’s recent approval of the Eurofighter’s export to Turkey, removing the key political roadblock.

BAE Systems, which handles Typhoon final assembly in the U.K., confirmed the deal.

The Eurofighter Typhoon—developed by BAE Systems (U.K.), Airbus (Germany and Spain), and Leonardo (Italy)—is operated by the U.K., Germany, Italy, and Spain. Turkey’s inclusion would mark its return to Western fighter procurement after it was removed from the U.S. F-35 program in 2019 over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the Typhoon deal would “sustain and protect” defense manufacturing jobs across the U.K., with the production line at BAE’s Warton plant under pressure due to a lack of new orders. Trade union Unite previously warned of closure risks without additional exports.

The MoU does not yet guarantee a final sale, but negotiations are ongoing. Reports suggest Turkey may order 40 Tranche 4 Typhoons, likely equipped with MBDA’s Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles—also used by Greece, Turkey’s NATO rival.

The deal is expected to include industrial participation by Turkish firms. Eurofighter partners typically integrate local suppliers, a likely component of any final agreement.

Turkey's fighter acquisition path has been shaped by external restrictions and shifting diplomatic ties. After its F-35 removal for buying Russian S-400 air defense systems, Ankara explored Russian Su-57s, new F-16s, and even rejoining the F-35 program. The U.S. later approved a $23 billion F-16 sale—including 40 Block 70 jets and upgrades to 79 aircraft—but congressional friction slowed progress.

Turkey’s push to re-enter the F-35 program continues, but U.S. lawmakers remain opposed unless the S-400 issue is resolved. Offers of U.S. Patriot systems have been raised as part of potential negotiations.

Domestically, Turkey is developing its TF KAAN fighter, with first flight in 2023 and service entry expected no earlier than 2030. Until then, the Eurofighter deal positions Ankara to fill its capability gap as its F-16 fleet continues to age.