Historic summit in Ankara: Turkey and the UK sign Eurofighter deal

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer with an official ceremony in Ankara. The two leaders signed key agreements in defense and trade, including the purchase of 44 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, marking a new phase in Turkey–UK relations.

The two leaders signed defense and trade deals, including 44 Eurofighter jets, marking a new phase in ties.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in Ankara for a high-level summit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Following an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex, the leaders discussed strategic cooperation, regional developments, and defense industry partnerships. The meeting culminated in the signing of a major deal for 44 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, jointly supplied by the United Kingdom, Qatar, and Oman.

Contents hide

1 Official ceremony at the Presidential Complex

2 Defense partnership deepens

2.1 Economic cooperation and trade goals

2.2 Focus on Gaza and regional stability

2.3 Strategic partnership for a new era

Official ceremony at the Presidential Complex

Starmer was welcomed by mounted guards at the entrance of the complex, where the national anthems of both countries were played. The ceremony featured 21-gun salutes and soldiers representing the 16 great Turkish states. The British Prime Minister greeted the honor guard with a cheerful “Hello soldiers.”

Defense partnership deepens

During the joint press conference, Erdoğan emphasized that the new cooperation between Ankara and London would strengthen strategic ties in the defense sector.

“We believe our collaboration with the United Kingdom in defense will pave the way for joint projects. This agreement stands as a new symbol of our strategic alliance” he said.

Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler confirmed that Turkey will acquire 44 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft—20 from the UK and 12 each from Qatar and Oman.

Economic cooperation and trade goals

Erdoğan also announced plans to boost the bilateral trade volume to $40 billion, underlining both nations’ determination to expand economic and technological cooperation.

“We are determined to increase our trade to $30 billion in the short term, and to $40 billion soon after” he said, highlighting the importance of long-term strategic economic ties.

Focus on Gaza and regional stability

Addressing regional issues, Erdoğan underlined the need to preserve the ceasefire in Gaza and prevent further violations.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the ceasefire holds. The Israeli government must be restrained” he noted.

Prime Minister Starmer reaffirmed his country’s recognition of the State of Palestine, calling it “a bold step toward a two-state solution.”

Strategic partnership for a new era

Starmer announced the launch of the first UK–Turkey bilateral cooperation framework, elevating relations to a new strategic level.

“The United Kingdom will deliver 20 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to Turkey, with the option for more in the future. This cooperation will strengthen NATO security and deepen our joint defense industry projects” he said.