BAE Systems announced that it will collaborate with the United Kingdom and Turkey to formalize an agreement regarding Ankara’s acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft and associated supplies.
The MOU was signed on Wednesday by Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Güler and U.K. Secretary of State for Defence John Healey at the International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul.
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Typhoon Vital for NATO
BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn said the agreement between the two governments attests to their close relationship as NATO partners. The MOU also emphasizes the crucial function of the multirole fighter in regional security, he added.
Breaking Defense reported that the contract is for the procurement of up to 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fourth-generation fighter jets. In a separate announcement, London said 37 percent of the aircraft in the “multibillion-pound” export deal will be manufactured in the United Kingdom, with final production at BAE Systems’ Warton site.
The company’s Lancashire facilities also play a major part in Typhoon’s development, production and support to air forces worldwide. One of the most recent Eurofighter Typhoon projects is the integration of the Digital GPS Anti-jam Receiver into the aircraft.
Typhoon Exports and the UK Economy
According to BAE Systems, the aircraft generates about $1.9 billion in annual export revenue and contributes approximately $2.15 billion to the U.K. economy, supporting an average of around 21,000 jobs.
Air forces in nine countries use the multirole Typhoon, a vital component of NATO air defense operations, especially along Europe’s eastern flank. BAE Systems noted that the aircraft performed 80 percent of the 2023-2024 missions flown by Eurofighter partners Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
In December, the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency signed a contract for Italy to purchase up to 24 units of the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, as part of the Italian Air Force’s modernization program.