The UK has finalized an agreement with Turkey to supply training, support equipment, and associated services for Ankara’s planned fleet of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
As part of the deal, BAE Systems will provide spare components along with comprehensive training for pilots and engineering personnel.
The package further includes advanced simulation systems and electronic warfare capabilities to enhance operational readiness.
Additionally, BAE Systems will deliver technical support services for an initial three-year period, beginning when the aircraft enter active service.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Air sector, stated that the initiative reflects the delivery of a reliable defense capability that strengthens collaboration and reinforces shared security commitments among allied nations.
In coordination with the UK government, the Royal Air Force will also train 10 Turkish instructor pilots and nearly 100 maintenance trainers.
This “train-the-trainer” approach is intended to enable the Turkish Air Force to independently manage its future pilot and ground crew training programs.
Eurofighter Typhoon for Turkey
The agreement builds on a deal announced in October last year, under which Turkey agreed to procure 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets from the UK in a contract valued at approximately $11 billion.
Production of the aircraft is already in progress, with final assembly of Turkey’s jets planned at BAE Systems’ Warton facility in northwest England.
The first deliveries are expected to begin in 2030.
Turkey’s relationship with the Typhoon program has developed over time.
While Ankara initially chose not to join the European consortium behind the aircraft—prioritizing its role in the US-led F-35 Lightning II program—it was later removed from that program in 2019 following its acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system, which raised concerns within NATO.
After its exclusion, Turkey turned its attention toward European alternatives such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, ultimately leading to the current agreement.
