Türkiye, UK Sign Eurofighter Support Deal as Typhoon Program Moves to Operational Phase
By Bosphorus News Defense Desk
Türkiye and the United Kingdom signed a new Eurofighter Typhoon training and support agreement on March 25, adding the infrastructure and services needed to move the fighter program closer to operational readiness.
Under the contract, BAE Systems will provide spares, support equipment, pilot and engineer training, high-fidelity simulators, electronic warfare capabilities and an initial three-year technical support package once the aircraft enter service.
The agreement builds on the October 2025 deal between the two governments covering the procurement of 20 Typhoon aircraft, shifting the program from acquisition toward operation, training and sustainment.
In a statement released with the announcement, BAE Systems said the contract is designed to support the Turkish Armed Forces in achieving operational readiness and effectiveness while progressively strengthening national support capability.
“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,” said Simon Barnes.
“Türkiye’s acquisition of Typhoon strengthens this partnership and enhances the country’s advanced combat air capabilities,” he added, noting that the training and support package will help prepare crews and systems for service entry.
Separate agreements with the UK government also place the Royal Air Force at the centre of the training pipeline. The RAF will train 10 Turkish instructor pilots and nearly 100 maintenance trainers, allowing the Turkish Air Force to establish its own training and support structure over time.
The aircraft themselves are already in production across the Eurofighter partner network, with final assembly of Türkiye’s jets set to take place in Warton, the United Kingdom. The first deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2030.
The support contract adds the operational layer to a programme that had previously been defined by procurement decisions. Training systems, maintenance capability, simulation infrastructure and electronic warfare support now sit alongside the aircraft order.
The result is a more complete structure around the Typhoon platform, covering not only acquisition but also how the aircraft will be operated, sustained and integrated into service once deliveries begin.