UK to provide training and support for Turkish Typhoons
Above: (left to right) Yaser Güler, Minister of National Defense, Republic of Türkiye and John Healey, Shadow Secretary of Defence, UK Government.
Courtesy BAE Systems / Photo David Coates
Under the contract, BAE Systems will deliver spares and support equipment, associated engineer and pilot training, high-fidelity training simulators and electronic warfare capabilities. In addition, BAE Systems will provide technical support services for an initial three-year term from entry into service of the aircraft.
The contract will support the Turkish Armed Forces to deliver operational readiness and effectiveness and progressively increase the nation’s sovereign support capability.
This follows the agreement, announced in October, between the UK and Turkish governments for the purchase of 20 Typhoon aircraft, which underscores the critical role Typhoon plays in the security and defence of Europe and the Middle East.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director, 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.
“Türkiye’s acquisition of Typhoon strengthens this partnership and enhances the country’s advanced combat air capabilities.
“We’re delighted to play a key role in enhancing Türkiye’s readiness to operate the new aircraft through this training and support agreement with the UK Government.”
Manufacturing of the new aircraft for Türkiye is already underway in the UK and across the Eurofighter partner nations, with the first aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2030.
Under separate agreements with the UK Government, the Royal Air Force will train 10 Turkish instructor pilots and nearly 100 maintenance trainers, ensuring the Turkish Air Force can independently deliver training and support to future pilots and ground crew, further strengthening the relationship between the two nations.
More than a third of every Typhoon aircraft is built in the UK, providing work to hundreds of supply chain companies nationwide. Final assembly of Turkish jets will take place at Warton, Lancashire. The programme sustains more than 20,000 jobs throughout the UK economy.
