On July 23, 2025, the UK and Turkey took a significant step in strengthening their defense ties by signing a preliminary agreement for the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey. This deal is part of Turkey’s broader initiative to modernize its air fleet, a move that has been anticipated for quite some time. Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and his British counterpart, John Healey, formalized this arrangement with a memorandum of understanding during a defense industry fair held in Istanbul. This collaboration underlines the importance of military partnerships among NATO allies, especially as Turkey continues to seek advancements in its defense capabilities.
Turkey has been eyeing the acquisition of 40 Eurofighter jets, produced by a consortium that includes British, German, and Italian manufacturers. The negotiations have not been without their challenges; Germany initially raised concerns about the sale but later aligned its position with that of the other nations involved. The UK has taken the lead in the negotiations on behalf of the consortium, and both Turkish and British officials view the memorandum as a crucial step towards finalizing a comprehensive agreement on the Typhoon jets.
In the statement released by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence, both ministers expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, indicating a shared ambition to expedite the negotiations required to finalize the deal. The memorandum is regarded as a positive indication of Turkey’s growing prominence in the European defense sector, as it seeks to integrate into what has been dubbed the “Typhoon club,” referring to the nations operating these advanced fighter jets.
Despite the progress made through this new agreement, Turkish officials are still engaged in discussions regarding the pricing and technical specifications of the jets. They have received an initial offer and are in the process of preparing a counter-proposal, reflecting Turkey’s strategic approach to ensure a deal that aligns with its requirements and budget. The ongoing negotiations highlight the complexities of international defense agreements, especially involving multiple nations and layers of technology.
In addition to pursuing the Eurofighter deal, Turkey is also aiming to re-enter the US-led F-35 fighter jet program. Turkey was expelled from this program in 2019 due to its acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defense systems, which the US deemed incompatible with NATO technology and a security risk to the F-35 aircraft. This situation underscores the delicate nature of Turkey’s position within NATO, as it balances its relationships with both Western allies and non-NATO countries.
Furthermore, Turkey is making strides in developing its own fifth-generation fighter jet, known as KAAN, which is projected to be operational by 2028. This dual pathway—acquiring advanced jets from international partners while also advancing its domestic defense capabilities—demonstrates Turkey’s commitment to enhancing its military strength and technological independence. As global defense dynamics evolve, Turkey’s efforts in these areas will significantly influence its strategic position within NATO and the broader international defense landscape.
