U.K. Okays Turkish Munitions into Eurofighter Jets Bound for Ankara

The U.K. government will allow Turkey to integrate domestically developed munitions into Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets ordered under a multibillion-pound deal.

An official statement issued by the British Embassy in Ankara, first reported by defense outlet TurDef, outlined the U.K. government’s position on Turkey’s Eurofighter program. It is the first time London has publicly detailed the terms of the deal at a government level.

The Meteor long-range air-to-air missile is included in the weapons package. The statement stated that Turkey has the right to integrate its own domestically developed air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions onto the Eurofighter platform. This allows Turkey to operate the aircraft while also assuming the role of system integrator.

London further confirmed that Turkey will have the right to export domestically developed software, mission systems, and certain sub-components linked to the aircraft to third countries. Such export and sovereign system rights are uncommon in modern fighter jet programs.

The support framework will reportedly follow a two-phase contract model. The first phase covers aircraft delivery and an initial weapons package. The second phase focuses on maintenance, repair, training, and long-term logistical support, aimed at sustaining the fleet throughout its service life.

The statement also underlined the U.K.’s industrial role within the Eurofighter consortium. Key components, including the fuselage, tail section, and fuel tanks, will be manufactured in the U.K., keeping British production lines active for years.

The clarification follows an agreement signed in October during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Ankara, under which Turkey agreed to buy 20 new EF-2000 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. A U.K. government press release said the deal is valued at up to £8 billion (about $10.7 billion), making it the country’s largest defense export deal in a generation. It is also the first new export order for U.K.-built Typhoons since 2017. Deliveries will begin in 2030.