Last Updated on April 2, 2026 by allieddispatch | Published: March 25, 2026
By Allied Dispatch UK
DEFENCE INDUSTRY | Export & NATO Cooperation
The UK and Turkey have signed a major multi-billion-pound agreement for the training and long-term maintenance of the Turkish Air Force’s future fleet of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets.
The support contract, signed in London by UK Defence Secretary John Healey MP and Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, marks the next phase of the landmark £8 billion export deal first secured in October 2025. It ensures that as Turkey acquires the British-built jets, they will be backed by a comprehensive UK-led training and engineering infrastructure.
UK-Based Training and Technical Support
A central pillar of the new agreement is a large-scale training programme hosted in the UK. Under the deal:
- Personnel: 10 Turkish pilots and nearly 100 ground crew technicians will be trained in the UK.
- Specialisms: Training will cover mechanical, avionics, weapons, and mission systems to ensure the Turkish Air Force can maintain full operational independence.
- Sustaining Jobs: The work secures the production of aircraft components and spares, supporting 20,000 skilled UK jobs nationwide.
The agreement involves major UK industrial partners, including BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA, Rolls-Royce, and Martin-Baker.
Strategic NATO Alignment
The acquisition of the Typhoon is set to significantly strengthen NATO’s combat air capability on its eastern flank. By operating the same high-end fourth-generation fighter as the RAF, the Turkish Air Force will achieve greater interoperability with its UK and European allies.
The deal includes the delivery of high-tech training simulators, electronic warfare capabilities, and essential support equipment, ensuring the jets remain a potent deterrent from the moment they are delivered.