UK and Turkey have signed a new multi-billion-pound defense agreement that brings Ankara closer to full integration into the Eurofighter Typhoon program, marking a major step in military cooperation between the two NATO allies.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey and Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler signed the agreement in London. It forms part of a broader £8 billion deal, valued at $10.65 billion, that Turkey reached last year to acquire 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets.
This latest contract focuses on the practical groundwork needed before the aircraft enter service, with a strong emphasis on training, technical support and operational preparation.
UK and Turkey training package takes center stage
Under the newly announced agreement, Turkish pilots and ground crews will train in the United Kingdom as Turkey prepares to operate its first batch of British-built aircraft.
The contract also includes technical support and equipment to help Ankara build the infrastructure and expertise needed to handle the advanced capabilities of the Eurofighter Typhoon.
According to Britain’s Ministry of Defense, the deal represents the next phase of Turkey’s entry into the Eurofighter program and will ensure personnel are ready to operate and maintain the aircraft effectively.
Major defense companies back the Eurofighter effort
Several major defense companies are involved in the program, underscoring both the industrial scale of the agreement and the complexity of bringing a new operator into the Typhoon framework.
The companies involved include BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA, Rolls-Royce and Martin-Baker. They will supply components, training systems and support services linked to the rollout of the aircraft.
Their participation highlights the broader defense and aerospace ecosystem behind the program, extending well beyond the aircraft purchase itself.
The UK-Türkiye Typhoon deal is the largest fighter jet export in nearly 20 years.
Today @johnhealey_mp met with Yaşar Güler @tcsavunma in London to sign a multi-billion-pound training and support contract, marking the next phase of the landmark Typhoon deal. pic.twitter.com/kdEUrcrKFD
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) March 25, 2026
Agreement “would help strengthen NATO” British government says
The British government said the agreement would help strengthen NATO’s combat air capabilities, especially along the alliance’s eastern flank, at a time of heightened geopolitical tension.
As a result, the deal carries importance beyond the bilateral relationship. It positions the agreement as part of a broader effort to boost allied readiness and strengthen air power within NATO as security concerns continue to rise across Europe and nearby regions.
For Turkey, the agreement marks another concrete step toward integrating the Eurofighter Typhoon into its air force. For the UK, it signals a deeper defense partnership with Ankara while supporting a major multinational aerospace and defense program.
