British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Turkey to promote a multi-billion-dollar deal for Turkey to purchase Eurofighter Typhoon jets, with the first delivery expected by 2030.

The deal, valued at over nine billion euros, involves aircraft assembled in Britain and is part of a European joint project including Germany, Italy, and Spain, with key companies like Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo.

Turkey plans to acquire up to 40 Typhoon jets depending on operational needs and is also considering additional military acquisitions, including fighter jets from Qatar and Oman, following Turkish President Erdogan's visits to these countries in October.

The Eurofighter Typhoon jets are produced through a partnership among the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy, with about 37% of production happening in the UK, including final assembly at BAE Systems plants.

The deal aims to bolster NATO alliances and supports UK defense exports, with the Typhoon jets playing a critical role in UK and NATO operations such as homeland airspace protection and counter-Daesh missions.

The agreement is expected to support approximately 6,000 UK jobs, including at BAE Systems' Warton and Samlesbury plants, and over 1,900 jobs in the South West and Scotland, notably at Rolls-Royce in Bristol.

BAE Systems' CEO Charles Woodburn described the Typhoon as a successful export that supports UK defense skills and economic growth, emphasizing that the deal reinforces the UK’s defense capabilities and strengthens UK-Turkey relations.

The deal will help sustain the Warton production line, enhance Turkey's combat capabilities, and contribute to NATO's collective deterrence in a strategically important region.

Germany, a participant in the Eurofighter project, had previously blocked the deal due to Turkey's human rights record but approved the export in July after political pressure, amidst ongoing regional and domestic political issues in Turkey.

Turkey's acquisition of Eurofighter jets is part of its broader effort to modernize its air force after being excluded from the US-led F-35 program in 2019 due to its purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems, and it aims to re-enter the F-35 program.

Turkey seeks to bolster its air power to counter regional rivals like Israel, with the new jets being a key part of its modernization efforts.

The UK government has raised concerns about Turkey's human rights issues, including recent arrests and political repression, emphasizing support for democracy and the rule of law.

Defense Secretary John Healey highlighted the deal as a major UK export success that boosts the economy and strengthens defense and industrial ties with Turkey.