• Turkey has signed a landmark deal with the UK for 20 Eurofighter jets worth $11 billion.
• The deal is seen as a significant boost to NATO security and defense ties.
• This agreement secures about 20,000 jobs in the UK and strengthens Turkey's air capabilities.
• Turkey aims to modernize its air force while developing its own KAAN fighter jet.
• This is the largest fighter jet export deal for the UK in a generation, according to officials.

On October 27, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a notable agreement for Turkey to purchase 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets valued at approximately $11 billion. This deal marks a new milestone in defense relations between the two NATO allies, aimed at significantly enhancing Turkey's air defense capabilities amidst regional challenges, particularly from rivals such as Israel. Moreover, Starmer highlighted that this deal would bolster NATO security and contribute positively to the UK’s defense industry, promising job security for 20,000 British workers involved in the production of these jets, according to Reuters and SCMP.

The deal, described as "the biggest fighter jet export deal in a generation" by the UK’s Ministry of Defense, underscores Turkey's strategy to modernize its air force as it aims to fill the gap until its own KAAN fighter jets are ready by 2028. Erdogan noted that this agreement signifies a "new symbol of the strategic relations" between Turkey and the UK, further asserting their commitment to deepening bilateral defense cooperation. The transaction is designed not only to meet immediate defense needs but also to support Turkey in its overall military ambitions, according to AA and India Times.

Furthermore, this transaction includes an option for additional jets to be provided in the future. The delivery of the first aircraft is expected as early as 2030, providing an urgent enhancement to Turkey’s air defense capabilities. As part of its strategic defense policies, Turkey is eyeing the acquisition of 12 used Typhoons each from Qatar and Oman, illustrating its proactive approach to strengthening its military assets within the framework of NATO operations. These developments highlight the deepening collaboration with European partners following Germany's recent approval for terms of the sale, according to Channel News Asia and Le Monde.