UK to provide training and support for Turkish Typhoons
The UK Government has reached a major defence agreement with the Republic of Türkiye to provide training and support equipment and services for its recently ordered Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
Above: (left to right) Yaser Güler, Minister of National Defense, Republic of Türkiye and John Healey, Shadow Secretary of Defence, UK Government.
Courtesy BAE Systems / Photo David Coates
Under the contract, BAE Systems will deliver spares and support equipment, associated engineer and pilot training, high-fidelity training simulators and electronic warfare capabilities. In addition, BAE Systems will provide technical support services for an initial three-year term from entry into service of the aircraft.
The contract will support the Turkish Armed Forces to deliver operational readiness and effectiveness and progressively increase the nation’s sovereign support capability.
This follows the agreement, announced in October, between the UK and Turkish governments for the purchase of 20 Typhoon aircraft, which underscores the critical role Typhoon plays in the security and defence of Europe and the Middle East.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems’ Air sector said: “We’re proud to support the UK’s partnership with Türkiye by delivering a trusted defence capability that deepens collaboration and reinforces shared security commitments.
“Türkiye’s acquisition of Typhoon strengthens this partnership and enhances the country’s advanced combat air capabilities.
“We’re delighted to play a key role in enhancing Türkiye’s readiness to operate the new aircraft through this training and support agreement with the UK Government.”
Manufacturing of the new aircraft for Türkiye is already underway in the UK and across the Eurofighter partner nations, with the first aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2030.
Under separate agreements with the UK Government, the Royal Air Force will train 10 Turkish instructor pilots and nearly 100 maintenance trainers, ensuring the Turkish Air Force can independently deliver training and support to future pilots and ground crew, further strengthening the relationship between the two nations.
More than a third of every Typhoon aircraft is built in the UK, providing work to hundreds of supply chain companies nationwide. Final assembly of Turkish jets will take place at Warton, Lancashire. The programme sustains more than 20,000 jobs throughout the UK economy.
Birmingham based Gowling WLG advised MoD on the second phase of this significant international defence collaboration with the Government of Türkiye, acting through the Turkish Ministry of National Defence (TMOND). Under this next phase of the programme, the MoD will support TMOND in relation to support and training for the 20 Typhoon aircraft previously procured from BAE Systems (BAES).
Elizabeth Williams, Partner and Head of Gowling WLG’s Aviation, Aerospace & Defence sector, said: “We are proud to continue our work with the Ministry of Defence on this strategically important international collaboration. Supporting the delivery of capability programmes of this scale requires deep sector knowledge, precision and a highly coordinated approach, qualities our team brings to every stage of the process.”
The project builds on Gowling WLG’s long-standing role advising the MoD on major defence procurements and follows the firm’s earlier support on the landmark £8 billion Typhoon aircraft export deal.
James Griffiths, Head of Commercial Export & Sales, UK Ministry of Defence said: “I want to pay tribute to the incredible dedication and professionalism the Gowling WLG team has shown throughout the delivery of this contract. This has been a demanding programme pulling together Defence contractual work, aerospace frameworks, international supply chains and complex industry agreements all contributing to a major Government to Government deal endorsed at the highest levels.
Despite the pressures, the team has consistently navigated a challenging multinational landscape, collaborated seamlessly with partners across the UK and overseas, and managed highly specialised agreements against tough deadlines. Their commitment has been outstanding, and it is deeply appreciated.”