The agreement was signed in London by Defence Secretary John Healey and Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler. It sets out plans for pilot and technician training, alongside long-term maintenance and support arrangements.
Under the programme, 10 Turkish pilots and nearly 100 ground crew technicians will be trained in the UK. The training will be delivered with support from the Royal Air Force to enable Türkiye to develop its own training and maintenance capability.
The contract also includes the provision of spares, support equipment, simulators and electronic warfare systems. BAE Systems will deliver these elements alongside technical support services for an initial three-year period from the aircraft’s entry into service.
Manufacturing of the aircraft is already underway in the UK and across Eurofighter partner nations. The first aircraft for Türkiye is scheduled for delivery in 2030, with final assembly taking place at Warton in Lancashire.
More than a third of each Typhoon aircraft is built in the UK, with production spread across sites in Scotland, Lancashire and Bristol. The programme supports around 20,000 jobs across the UK, including roles at BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Leonardo.
Türkiye’s acquisition of Typhoon is expected to strengthen NATO’s combat air capability on its eastern flank. Officials said the agreement also supports the UK’s defence industrial base and reinforces long-term cooperation between the two countries.
“This partnership does not just export world-leading British built jets, it builds alliances, grows our economy, and makes NATO stronger,” said Defence Secretary John Healey. “Türkiye’s decision to acquire Typhoon is a vote of confidence in British industry and British jobs, and this agreement brings the UK-Türkiye partnership to life.”
“As UK Typhoon pilots continue to fly defensive missions over the Middle East, I’m proud that Turkish pilots and engineers will train alongside our RAF personnel to strengthen our collective security – this is defence delivering for Britain,” he added. Typhoon aircraft continue to conduct operational missions in the region.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Air sector, said: “We’re proud to support the UK’s partnership with Türkiye by delivering a trusted defence capability that deepens collaboration and reinforces shared security commitments. Türkiye’s acquisition of Typhoon strengthens this partnership and enhances the country’s advanced combat air capabilities.”
“We’re delighted to play a key role in enhancing Türkiye’s readiness to operate the new aircraft through this training and support agreement with the UK Government,” he added. The company said the programme will support operational readiness while enabling Türkiye to build sovereign support capabilities over time.
