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The U.K. government has reaffirmed its support for the proposed sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Türkiye, acknowledging the ongoing discussions with Germany and other partner nations involved in the Eurofighter program.
In a written parliamentary response published on April 30, 2025, Defence Minister Maria Eagle responded to a query from Graeme Downie MP (Labour – Dunfermline and Dollar) stating that the U.K. is "supportive of the prospective sale of Eurofighter Typhoon to Türkiye, as its next fighter platform."
Eagle emphasized the importance of regular discussions between the U.K. and Germany on various issues related to military equipment and joint programs.
The Eurofighter Typhoon program is a collaborative effort between the U.K., Germany, Italy, and Spain. As the program involves multiple partner nations, any sale of Typhoon jets to a third country, such as Türkiye, requires the agreement of all parties involved.
While the U.K. has confirmed its support for the sale, Germany has historically raised reservations regarding the sale of advanced military equipment to Türkiye due to political and regional concerns. Despite this, Eagle reassured that the U.K. continues to discuss the sale with all Eurofighter partner nations, including Germany.
"We continue to discuss our ongoing bid for Türkiye to procure the Typhoon with the other Eurofighter partner nations, including Germany," Eagle stated, underscoring the ongoing dialogue in the process.
The potential Typhoon deal is significant for Türkiye as it seeks to modernize its air force following its removal from the U.S.-led F-35 program. Türkiye was excluded from the F-35 program in 2019 due to its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system, which was met with strong opposition from the U.S. and NATO.
As a result, Türkiye has been exploring alternative options to modernize its fleet, and the Eurofighter Typhoon is seen as a strategic alternative to the F-35. Türkiye's interest in acquiring the jets dates back to 2022, and negotiations with the U.K. and other partners have been ongoing since then.
The potential deal could include up to 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, split between used Tranche 1 aircraft from the U.K.
and new Tranche 4 jets, which are intended to enter service by 2030.
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