Türkiye nears final deal to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon jets

Türkiye has reached the final stage of its agreement to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet. 

Negotiations with the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain have been completed, and the final documents are expected to be signed during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Ankara on October 27, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Starmer will be received with an official ceremony at Beştepe by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. 

The two leaders will hold a one-on-one meeting followed by a working lunch between delegations. 

After the talks, the sides are expected to sign a series of agreements and hold a joint press conference. 

The visit, held at President Erdoğan’s invitation, is expected to focus on the next steps of the multibillion-pound deal announced in July for Türkiye’s purchase of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets.

Türkiye will receive the newest Eurofighter jets currently in production for the Royal Air Force, along with aircraft previously operated by the air forces of Qatar and Oman. 

The Omani jets will undergo modernisation at the manufacturer’s facility before being transferred to the Turkish Air Force. Following the signing of the deal, training and adaptation programs for Turkish pilots will commence. 

Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran stated that “the meetings will address not only the strategic, allied relationship between Türkiye and the United Kingdom but also current regional and international developments.” 

This will be Starmer’s first official visit to Türkiye since taking office as Prime Minister in July 2024. 

He is expected to be accompanied by UK Defence Secretary John Healey.

By Jeyhun Aghazada