Istanbul (Agencies) — July 23, 2025: Türkiye has taken a decisive step toward modernizing its air combat fleet by signing a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom to become an official operator of the Eurofighter Typhoon, one of Europe’s most advanced multirole fighter jets. The agreement was signed during the IDEF 2025 defense expo in Istanbul by Turkish Defense Minister Ya?ar Güler and UK Defense Secretary John Healey, marking a breakthrough in Türkiye’s years-long pursuit of the aircraft.
The MoU sets the stage for Türkiye’s planned acquisition of 40 Eurofighter Typhoons, a deal estimated to be worth several billion dollars. The aircraft are jointly produced by a consortium of Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain, represented by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. The UK has led the negotiations, and Germany’s recent approval of the export license—confirmed by its federal security council—removes a key political barrier that had previously stalled the deal.
“This agreement is a big step toward Türkiye buying UK Typhoon fighter jets,” said Healey. “It strengthens NATO’s collective defense and secures thousands of skilled jobs across the UK for years to come.” More than 37% of each aircraft will be manufactured in the UK, with final assembly at BAE Systems’ Warton facility, and components sourced from Edinburgh and Bristol, supporting over 20,000 British jobs tied to the Typhoon program.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, first introduced in 2003, is a fourth-generation twin-engine multirole fighter known for its canard-delta wing design, Mach 2 speed, and advanced avionics. It features the CAPTOR-E AESA radar, Praetorian defensive suite, and a digital glass cockpit with voice-activated controls. The aircraft is capable of deploying a wide range of munitions including Meteor, AMRAAM, Storm Shadow, and Brimstone, and is currently operated by nine countries, including the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.
As of March 2025, a total of 609 Eurofighter Typhoons have been delivered globally, with a program of record reaching 721 aircraft. The UK’s Tranche 1 Typhoons are being phased out, with only four remaining in service for Quick Reaction Alert duties in the Falkland Islands until 2027. The RAF retains 107 Typhoons, with upgraded Tranche 2 and 3 variants expected to remain operational until the 2040s. The Eurofighter program is undergoing enhancements to extend its viability into the 2060s, including the development of a Tranche 5 variant and integration with next-generation systems.
For Türkiye, the acquisition complements its indigenous KAAN fifth-generation fighter program, expected to enter service by 2028, and fills a critical gap as Ankara seeks alternatives to the F-35, from which it was excluded in 2019. The Typhoon deal also reinforces Türkiye’s strategic alignment with NATO and deepens its defense partnership with the UK.
Negotiations over pricing and technical specifications are ongoing, with a formal contract expected in the coming weeks. The agreement is widely seen as a boost to European defense industry cooperation and a key milestone in Türkiye’s airpower modernization.