The UK has reached an agreement with Turkey to provide training, support equipment, and related services for Ankara’s planned fleet of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
Under the contract, BAE Systems will deliver spare parts along with pilot and engineering training.
The package also includes high-fidelity training simulators and electronic warfare capabilities.
In addition, the company will provide technical support services for an initial three-year period, commencing upon the aircraft’s entry into service.
With the initiative, the company is “delivering a trusted defense capability that deepens collaboration and reinforces shared security commitments” among allies, stated Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Air sector.
In parallel arrangements with the UK government, the Royal Air Force will train 10 Turkish instructor pilots and nearly 100 maintenance trainers.
This “train-the-trainer” model is designed to support the Turkish Air Force in independently managing future pilot and ground crew training.
Eurofighter Typhoons for Turkey
The agreement follows a deal announced in October last year for Turkey to purchase 20 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from London, valued at nearly $11 billion.
Manufacturing of the aircraft is already underway, with final assembly of Turkey’s jets set to take place at BAE Systems’ Warton facility, in northwest England.
The first aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2030.
Turkey’s involvement with the Typhoon program has evolved over time.
Ankara had previously opted not to join the European consortium producing the aircraft, instead prioritizing participation in the F-35 Lightning II program led by the US.
However, Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after acquiring the S-400 air defense system from Russia, a decision that raised security concerns within NATO.
Following its exclusion, Ankara shifted its focus to European alternatives, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, which led to the current agreement.
