An agreement for the sale of a total of 20 Typhoons, for 8 billion pounds (9.16 billion euros), was signed by the Prime Minister of Great Britain and the President of Turkey, according to Starmer’s representative.
Earlier it was known that Starmer and Erdogan would discuss the strengthening of ties between the two countries within the framework of a strategic alliance, but beyond all other issues, the main result of the visit will be the finalization by signature, in fact, of the preliminary agreement for the sale of 40 Eurofighter Typhoons that was signed in July. Starmer’s visit was preceded by the dispatch of two Eurofighter jets to Turkey, which reports claimed was a sign of a deal.
Erdogan wants to fill the technology gap in aviation
According to the experts, cited by the foreign media, Turkey is in a hurry to strengthen its air force in order to catch up with regional competition (although most reports do not specifically mention Greece and Israel) and is willing to use even used aircraft at first.
Its goal is to “fill the gap” of technology that exists until it starts production of its own 5th generation Kaan fighters in 2028. According to reports, the final plan to strengthen the Turkish Air Force foresees the famous “mix” of 40 – 40 – 40. Oper means 40 Eurofighters, 40 F35 and 40 Turkish-made KAAN.
Message from Starmer himself
On the subject, Keir Starmer himself uploaded a video on his X account, claiming that this agreement with Turkey guarantees 20,000 jobs in the United Kingdom.
I’ve just agreed a deal with Türkiye to secure 20,000 British jobs across the UK.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer)
Visit and Merch
Starmer’s visit comes just a few days before, (also) the German chancellor’s first visit to Turkey, which is also expected to focus on the Eurofighter.
The German attitude, which was somewhat cautious in the past, seems to have changed especially after the agreements with Qatar and Oman.
The result of the mistake with the Russian S-400
It is noted that Turkey is trying, among other things, to unblock the F-35 issue, but also to upgrade the F-16s it has.
Analysts note that these purchases of Eurofighters, but also the general rush to cover the hole that has opened in the question of its air power, are the consequences of its exclusion from the F-35 due to the purchase of the S-400 from Russia.
