Britain27 October, 20252 min read
UK’s Starmer Advances Multi-Billion Dollar Eurofighter Jet Sale to Turkey to Bolster Ankara’s Air Power
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Ankara to finalize a 40 Eurofighter jet sale. The deal aims to significantly enhance Turkey’s air power and defense capabilities.
9 outlets told this the same way.
UK-Turkey Eurofighter Deal Talks
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Ankara to advance negotiations on a multi-billion-pound Eurofighter Typhoon sale intended to bolster Turkey’s air power. Multiple outlets place the prospective order at around 40 jets and note that Germany has lifted its opposition. Starmer met President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for talks on regional and bilateral issues.
“British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Turkey to advance negotiations on a multi-billion-pound deal to sell Eurofighter Typhoon jets to enhance Turkey’s air capabilities.”
Asian outlet Devdiscourse notes this is Starmer’s first visit to Turkey since taking office. Turkish outlet Haberler highlights the high-profile reception and anticipates a signing.
Western sources frame the trip primarily as a push to progress the deal and cooperation. Western alternative outlet Euractiv reports expectations of some aircraft deliveries during the visit, underscoring divergent reporting on immediacy and outcomes.
Turkey's Fighter Jet Strategy
Turkey views Eurofighters as a temporary solution until its domestically developed KAAN fifth-generation jet becomes operational around 2028. The country is also seeking a way to rejoin the U.S.-led F-35 program after being removed in 2019 due to its acquisition of the Russian S-400 system. Ankara aims to establish a transitional fleet of 120 fighters, which would include Eurofighters, F-16s, and F-35s, according to the Killeen Daily Herald.
Germany initially blocked the sale of Eurofighters to Turkey because of Turkey's position on the Gaza conflict, but lifted its opposition in July, Euractiv reports. Ankara is also considering sourcing Eurofighters from Qatar. The Turkish news outlet Haberler highlights that Berlin has now approved the deal and mentions the members of the Eurofighter consortium.
UK-Turkey Relations and Legal Issues
The visit unfolded amid domestic political tension in Turkey. Prosecutors filed new espionage charges against Istanbul’s jailed opposition mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. London publicly urged Ankara to uphold the rule of law and fair-trial rights.
“Starmer’s visit coincides with renewed political tensions in Turkey, as prosecutors filed new espionage charges against Istanbul’s jailed mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition figure.”
This call came even as economic and defense ties between the UK and Turkey deepen. Western media outlets highlight that the legal case and human-rights concerns are discussed alongside defense talks. The UK claims that economic cooperation can coexist with open dialogue on rights issues.
Eurofighter Deal and Turkey Visit
On the industrial and operational track, UK-led industry is central to the Eurofighter deal, which involves a consortium led by BAE Systems. Starmer toured Turkish Aerospace Industries/TUSAŞ for briefings on Turkey’s KAAN program. Turkish coverage adds operational color by claiming that two Eurofighters were flown to Turkey ahead of the visit and detailing Typhoon capabilities.
Euractiv suggests that some aircraft might even be delivered during the trip. However, these claims are not echoed by Western mainstream outlets, which summarize the visit as talks and facility tours.
Turkey's Defense and Diplomacy Moves
Regionally, the deal is part of broader diplomatic efforts. Euractiv notes that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to meet with Erdoğan next. Berlin has lifted its block on the matter.
“Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to meet Erdoğan later this week.”
Turkey is exploring the acquisition of Eurofighter jets from Qatar. Devdiscourse describes the UK-Turkey process as an expanding NATO defense collaboration. UK and Turkish sources emphasize Ankara’s interest in rejoining the F‑35 program.
Turkey aims to use Eurofighters as an interim solution until the KAAN program is expected to enter service in 2028. These developments reflect both alliance dynamics and Turkey’s ambition to develop indigenous defense capabilities.