The UK will sell as many as 40 Typhoon jets to Turkey, a deal worth several billion pounds, after Germany dropped its opposition to the sale.
Jointly produced by companies including BAE Systems PLC (LSE:BA.), Airbus Group (EPA:AIR), Italy's Leonardo and Spain's ITP Aero, the 'Eurofighter' jets were prevented from being sold to Turkey by the previous German government due to political and human rights concerns.
UK and Turkey (Türkiye) defence ministers on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding where they pledged to move towards a comprehensive Typhoon sale and purchase deal.
Final production at BAE Systems’ Warton site will include radars from Edinburgh and engines from Bristol, the Ministry of Defence said.
BAE chief executive Charles Woodburn said: "This memorandum of understanding between the governments of Türkiye and the UK underscores the importance of their long-standing defence co-operation through NATO and the critical role Typhoon plays in security and defence in Europe and the Middle East."
UK officials told the Financial Times earlier that "partner nations are supportive, including Germany", clearing the way for a final deal with Turkey, which both sides said they aimed to strike "as soon as possible".
The newspaper's sources cited the potential for up to 40 jets to be bought by Turkiye.
Talks between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz were said to have covered the potential deal last week.
German newspaper Der Spiegel reported that the country’s security council had approved the sale.
BAE shares climbed out of the red on the news, up as much as 0.6% at one point in early afternoon trading.
The UK and Türkiye have signed a major deal paving the way for Typhoon fighter jet exports. ????????????????????
This key step boosts British industry, supports thousands of jobs, and reinforces NATO’s defence - keeping us safe at home and strong abroad.
— Ministry of Defence ???????? (@DefenceHQ) July 23, 2025
UK defence secretary John Healey said the agreement is "a big step towards Türkiye buying UK Typhoon fighter jets".
He said it showed the government’s "determination to secure new defence deals, building on our relationships abroad to deliver for British working people", as well as strengthening NATO’s collective defence.