Turkey and the United Kingdom have signed a preliminary agreement for the potential sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to the Turkish Air Force, in a move that could significantly bolster Ankara’s air power capabilities.
The memorandum of understanding was signed on Wednesday during a defence industry exhibition in Istanbul by Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and UK Defence Secretary John Healey. According to a statement from Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense, the agreement brings both nations “one step closer to a full agreement on the Typhoon.”
Turkey has long expressed interest in acquiring 40 Eurofighter Typhoons, a multi-role aircraft developed by a consortium of British, German, and Italian defence companies. While Germany had reportedly resisted the sale, its position has recently shifted, clearing a path for the UK to lead negotiations on behalf of the manufacturing consortium.
“Both ministers welcome the signature as a positive step towards bringing Turkey into the Typhoon club and share a mutual ambition to conclude the necessary arrangements as soon as possible,” the Turkish ministry added.
Talks are ongoing, with Turkish officials confirming that discussions over pricing and technical specifications are still underway. An initial proposal has been received, and a formal counter-offer from Turkey is expected.
The development comes as Turkey also seeks to rejoin the US-led F-35 fighter jet programme, from which it was expelled in 2019 following its acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defence systems, a move Washington said posed a security threat to NATO aircraft.
At the same time, Turkey is continuing work on its own fifth-generation fighter, the domestically produced KAAN jet, which is currently scheduled to enter service by 2028.
