BAE Systems has welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Republic of Türkiye and the UK Government, marking a key step towards a potential purchase of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft by Türkiye.
The agreement was signed earlier this week at the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul by Turkish Minister of National Defence, Yasar Güler, and UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey. It signals closer defence collaboration between the two NATO allies and reflects growing interest in the Eurofighter Typhoon as a core asset in European and Middle Eastern air defence strategies.
The Typhoon is a highly advanced multi-role fighter jet currently operated by nine air forces worldwide. Known for its exceptional performance, reliability, and survivability, it has played a critical role in NATO air policing missions, particularly along Europe’s eastern flank. In 2023 and 2024, the aircraft was responsible for 80% of operational missions conducted by Eurofighter partner nations – Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK – reinforcing its strategic value.
BAE Systems is a key industrial partner in the Eurofighter programme, leading development, production and ongoing support of the aircraft. Much of this work is conducted at the company’s facilities in Lancashire, UK. The programme supports around 21,000 UK jobs, many of them highly skilled roles in engineering and manufacturing, and generates an estimated £1.6bn annually for the UK economy. It also contributes approximately £1.4bn to UK exports each year.
The newly signed MoU lays the groundwork for formal negotiations and, ultimately, a procurement agreement involving Typhoon aircraft and associated support services. BAE Systems has expressed its commitment to working closely with both governments to progress towards a formal deal.
“The MoU demonstrates the strong and long-standing defence relationship between Türkiye and the UK through NATO,” said Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems. “It also highlights the crucial role that the Eurofighter Typhoon continues to play in securing Europe and supporting regional stability.”
The agreement signals Türkiye’s potential integration into a combat aircraft platform that underpins both current and future air power capabilities across Europe, further reinforcing the Typhoon’s position as a strategic defence asset on the global stage.
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