Türkiye chooses Eurofighter. Ankara bought 20 fighter jets worth £8 billion

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that Türkiye had purchased 20 British Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft worth £8 billion. The first fighters are to be delivered to the Turkish army in 2030.

– This breakthrough agreement with Turkey is a victory for British workers, a victory for our arms industry and a victory for NATO security – said the head of the British government while signing the agreement with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

“At both ends of Europe, the UK and Turkey play a key role in tackling the challenges of our times, and (this deal) will enable our armed forces to work even closer together, deterring threats and protecting our national interests,” Starmer said. According to his Downing Street office, it is “the biggest fighter aircraft export deal in almost 20 years.”

Defense Minister John Healey, who accompanied the Prime Minister on the trip, emphasized that “Türkiye is an important NATO ally and the guardian of the Black Sea.” – Equipping Turkey with the most modern Typhoon fighters will strengthen NATO and help us all increase security, he added.

The Financial Times recalled that London and Ankara signed a memorandum of understanding in July on the sale of up to 40 Eurofighter aircraft to Turkey. According to the British daily, this was “an expression of Europe's recognition of Turkey's military potential as a bulwark against possible Russian attacks and instability in the Middle East.”

From London Marta Zabłocka (PAP)

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