UK's Starmer hails Türkiye Eurofighter deal as 'win for NATO security'

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has praised the Eurofighter Typhoon agreement with Türkiye as a comprehensive strategic achievement that strengthens NATO security while boosting Britain's defense industry. During a joint press conference with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on Monday, Starmer described the landmark arrangement as "a win for British workers, a win for our defence industry, and a win for NATO security."

Strategic NATO Enhancement

The UK prime minister emphasized that the fighter jet agreement would significantly deepen NATO's collective security architecture while enhancing bilateral defense industrial cooperation between London and Ankara. Starmer noted that "at either end of Europe, the UK and Türkiye are vital to tackling the challenges of our time," adding that the arrangement would enable both nations' armed forces to operate more closely together in deterring threats and protecting national interests.

Economic and Employment Benefits

The British government highlighted the agreement as "the biggest fighter jet exports deal in a generation," projecting substantial economic benefits for the UK's defense sector. The arrangement is expected to sustain approximately 20,000 skilled jobs across production facilities in Edinburgh, Warton, Samlesbury, and Bristol, reinforcing the UK's position as a leading aerospace manufacturer and defense exporter.

Regional Security Implications

UK Defense Secretary John Healey, who accompanied Starmer to Ankara, characterized Türkiye as "an important NATO ally and the gatekeeper to the Black Sea." He stated that equipping the Turkish Air Force with advanced Typhoon fighter jets would "strengthen NATO deterrence and help make us all safer," acknowledging Türkiye's crucial geopolitical position and its role in maintaining regional stability.