Istanbul, July 23, 2025 – The Europe Today: In a major step toward deepening strategic defense cooperation, Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler and UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Türkiye’s prospective role as a Eurofighter Typhoon operator.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) held in Istanbul, according to a statement released by the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Türkiye.
The MoU marks a significant milestone in bilateral defense relations and formalizes ongoing efforts to integrate Türkiye into the Eurofighter Typhoon program, a leading European multi-role combat aircraft developed by a consortium of the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
“The Defense Ministers have today jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This document codifies the relationship between the countries, taking them one step closer to a full agreement on Typhoon. Both Ministers welcome the signature as a positive step towards bringing Türkiye into the Typhoon club and share a mutual ambition to conclude the necessary arrangements as soon as possible,” the ministry’s statement read.
The two ministers also reaffirmed the strength of the Türkiye–UK defense partnership, emphasizing the importance of their longstanding cooperation, especially within the NATO Alliance, as well as expanding collaboration in the defense industry and security sectors.
“They underscored the importance of the two countries’ longstanding defense cooperation, including collaboration through NATO and growing ties in defense industry and security. Both Ministers committed to deepening this strategic partnership in support of the Alliance’s collective deterrence,” the ministry added.
The joint statement also noted that Türkiye and the UK continue to make “excellent progress” toward the export and operational integration of the Eurofighter Typhoon, expressing optimism that Türkiye’s inclusion would reinforce the strong bonds between the two NATO allies.
“Welcoming Türkiye as a Typhoon operator would build on the bonds of friendship developed over many decades between key NATO Allies and would be a significant step towards enhancing Türkiye’s advanced combat air capabilities,” the statement noted.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for broader capability collaboration, with both sides emphasizing the mutual benefits of reciprocal procurement and strengthened defense industrial ties.
As the two nations look ahead, the MoU is seen as the foundation of a new chapter in strategic cooperation, aimed at advancing technological innovation, regional security, and mutual defense capabilities.
