UK signs typhoon jet training contract with Turkey

The UK government has reached an agreement with Turkey to provide a three-year training and support contract alongside its recently ordered Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

The final assembly of the 20 Turkish jets is set to take place at the BAE systems site in Warton, Lancashire.

The jets will help support Turkey to "progressively increase the nation's sovereign support capability," BAE systems said.

Under the contract, BAE will provide the Turkish Armed Forces with equipment, engineer and pilot training and technical support for an initial three-year term.

This follows an agreement, announced in October, between the UK and Turkish governments for the purchase of the aircraft.

During a visit to Ankara to sign the agreement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described it as "a win for British workers, a win for our defence industry and a win for Nato security".

It is the largest fighter jet export deal in almost two decades and will support thousands of jobs across the UK for years to come, the government said.

Following the announcement of the training contract, 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."

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