UK and Turkey Finalize Multi-Billion-Pound Air Defence Agreement
On March 25 in London, Britain and Turkey signed a major training and support contract. It forms part of an 8-billion-pound Typhoon fighter purchase agreed last year.
The deal secures UK-based training for Turkish pilots and ground crew. It will help Turkey operate its first batch of British-built jets.
Contract scope
The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence published details of the arrangement. The contract covers pilot and maintenance training, plus support equipment supplied from the UK.
Industry partners
- BAE Systems
- Leonardo UK
- MBDA
- Rolls-Royce
- Martin-Baker
Signatories and location
Defence Secretary John Healey signed the agreement in London. He signed alongside Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler.
Strategic implications
British officials described the move as the next phase of Turkey’s entry into the Eurofighter programme. They said it strengthens NATO’s combat air capability on the alliance’s eastern flank.
The UK and Turkey have finalized a multi-billion-pound deal. The focus is clearly on air defence training and long-term support.
For further coverage, Filmogaz.com reported on the development and its defence-industry implications. (Currency note: $1 equals 0.7455 pounds.)
