UK Formally Offers 40 Eurofighter Typhoon Jets to Türkiye, Signalling Deeper Defence Ties

United Kingdom has officially submitted an offer to sell 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Ankara. The proposal follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both nations during the IDEF 2025 defence exhibition held in Istanbul, marking a significant step toward expanding military cooperation.

The MoU was signed by Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and UK Defence Secretary John Healey, laying the groundwork for Türkiye’s possible acquisition of the advanced multi-role combat aircraft. This offer marks the first formal step in what could be a major defence deal between two long-time NATO allies.

Jorge Tamarit-Degenhardt, the CEO of Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH, the company behind the aircraft, welcomed the development. He described the agreement as a “positive sign” and expressed confidence in the continued negotiations. Highlighting the shifting security environment across Europe and the Middle East, Tamarit-Degenhardt said, “The Typhoon jet is a major asset in keeping our skies safe.”

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a product of a four-nation collaboration involving the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It is known for its agility, speed, and multirole combat capability, making it a popular choice among NATO countries. The aircraft is also designed to provide operational independence, a factor that could appeal to Türkiye’s broader military modernization goals.

Türkiye is currently in the market for 120 new fighter jets, which includes:

• 40 Eurofighter Typhoons

• 40 F-16s from the United States

• 40 F-35s, a programme from which Türkiye was removed in 2019

The removal from the F-35 programme followed Ankara’s controversial purchase of Russian S-400 air defence systems, which Washington said compromised NATO security. Despite the expulsion, Türkiye has not given up its interest in rejoining the F-35 programme, citing its industrial role in producing nearly 1,000 parts for the jet. Officials in Ankara also maintain that participation is essential for maintaining NATO interoperability.

Meanwhile, Türkiye has accelerated the development of its indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet, KAAN, using the knowledge and manufacturing experience gained from the F-35 programme.

If the deal for the Eurofighters moves forward, it could provide Türkiye with a critical boost in capability, especially at a time when regional tensions are high and airspace security is a growing concern. For the UK, it would not only strengthen defence ties with a key NATO partner but also support its aerospace industry and demonstrate the strategic value of the Eurofighter Typhoon on the international stage.