UK Prime Minister Starmer Arrives in Ankara to Finalize Eurofighter Deal with President Erdoğan

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer landed in Ankara today for his inaugural official visit to Turkey, invited by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with the centerpiece of the trip being the formal signing of a deal to supply 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets to the Turkish Air Force.

The agreement builds on a preliminary accord reached in July, marking a significant step in strengthening strategic ties between London and Ankara amid broader discussions on bilateral cooperation.

High-Level Talks and Signing Ceremony
According to the official itinerary, President Erdoğan will greet Starmer with a formal ceremony at the Beştepe Presidential Complex. The leaders will then hold a private meeting, followed by a working dinner with their delegations. The visit will culminate in a signing ceremony for the Eurofighter deal and a joint press conference.

Sources familiar with the matter, cited by Middle East Eye (MEE), indicate that Ankara is pushing for expedited delivery. Of the 40 aircraft, 20 are currently operated by the UK's Royal Air Force (RAF), enabling faster handover, while the remaining 20 will be newly built and customized to Turkish specifications.

In a symbolic gesture underscoring London's commitment, Starmer dispatched two Eurofighter jets to Ankara ahead of his arrival. It remains unclear whether these will stay in Turkey permanently or were sent for demonstration purposes only.

Turkey's Urgent Push to Modernize Air Power
Defense experts quoted in international media emphasize Turkey's haste to bolster its air force amid regional rivalries. Ankara is willing to incorporate second-hand aircraft initially to bridge technological gaps until its indigenous fifth-generation Kaan fighter enters production in 2028.

The deal specifies the advanced Tranche 4 variant, featuring upgraded radar and avionics systems, as reported by the UK Defence Journal.

President Erdoğan's strategy involves blending new acquisitions with used Eurofighters sourced from Qatar and Oman, following agreements secured during his recent Gulf tour.

Broader Context: From S-400 Fallout to F-35 Hopes
Analysts link Turkey's aggressive procurement drive to its 2019 exclusion from the U.S.-led F-35 program after purchasing Russian S-400 missile systems. Efforts continue to unblock F-35 access and upgrade Turkey's existing F-16 fleet.

German Chancellor Merz to Follow
Starmer's trip precedes a visit by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on October 30—his first to Turkey—where Eurofighters are also expected to dominate the agenda. Berlin's previously cautious stance appears to have softened, particularly after Ankara's deals with Qatar and Oman.

This rapid diplomatic momentum highlights Turkey's multifaceted approach to rebuilding aerial dominance in a volatile neighborhood, with the UK emerging as a key partner in the process.

(Source: To Vima)